Drinking Age

The legal drinking age is a non-legal term descibing the situtation that exists from the application of various alcohol licensing laws.

In a principal instance, it sets the minimum age of customer below which licensed retailers of Alcoholic Beverage s may not supply. Alternatively, the legal drinking age is applied more extensively as a prohibition on persons below the minimum age being on premises licensed to sell alcohol. At its strictest, the term describes the age below which persons must have their alcohol intake properly supervised by those responsible for them. Rarely will the minimun age be consistent in all cases. Indeed in each case, certain exceptions will exist in some jurisdictions

In most countries the minumum age to purchase alcohol is 18, but there are notable exceptions (see list below). Some countries distinguish between drinks with lower alcohol-content (such as Beer and Wine ) compared to stronger Spirit -based drinks.

Generally, a lower minimum age (say between 12 and 16) is applied in relation to those persons who are not allowed on the premises of a licensed drinking establishment. This prohibition will either be absolute or partial, being limited to certain times of the day, like the evening and night. Exceptions may exist when the premises are licensed but not open to the public (i.e. are private members clubs) or when substantial meals are also served together with alcohol (e.g. restaurants and hotels).

An even lower age may apply in some jurisdictions that allow minors to drink in private with parental permission.

Finally there is a de facto minimum age below which minors should not be given any alcohol under any circumstances, and to do so would be an act of negligence or recklessness or constitute a criminal offence.

LEGAL DRINKING AGE BY COUNTRY

Note that exact laws vary from country to country, and often between states or provinces. Laws on consumption of alcoholic beverages vary even more widely. In some countries all alcoholic beverages are illegal, often due to religious law.

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E - H

I - N

O - V

UNITED STATES

While the legal drinking age is 21 in all states, the legal details vary. Some states do not allow those under the legal drinking age to be present in liquor stores or in Bars (usually, the difference between a bar and a Restaurant is whether food is being served). Contrary to popular belief, few states specifically prohibit minors' consumption of alcohol in private settings.

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Drinking Age