countries with no drinking age


Alcoholic beverages available in vending machines pose a challenge with controlling underage drinking. In fact, some nations have no minumum age for alcohol consumption (though there may be a minimum age for the purchase of alcohol)although, the vast majority of these countries still have laws about how old one must be to purchase alcoholic beverages. This is different than much of the rest of the world staying at home this year. The court could sentence an adult a fine of at least 1500 ($1751.75 USD) if they buy alcohol for a minor. In November 2013, Democratic Party representative for the territory Puerto Rico Carlos Vargas pushed for making the MLDA 21 years old. The drinking age in Ireland, for example, is nonexistent in a private residence. Vehicle compensation, loss of license and jail time could also occur. In chemical terms, alcohol is an organic compound produced when grains, vegetables, or fruits are allowed to ferment. When it comes to boozing, Armenia is quite chill. Some of these include blocks 7 and 23 in the Canberra Central District and near the Canberra Theatre Center.

Conversely, in a few nations (typically under strict Muslim rule), drinking is outlawed entirely. Children 16 and 17 years old can receive wine from a parent, but they cannot buy it themselves at a restaurant. Its not uncommon for European nations to serve alcohol to a child as young as five years old. Sizzling & Shivering Temperatures: Most Extreme Temperatures Mapped. In fact, 44% of global adults had never consumed alcoholic beverages at all. Also Read:From Golf to French Fries, Heres What Some Countries called Essential Amid Lockdown. The drinking age is 21 in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Meghalaya, Punjab, Delhi. The 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act withholds money from states that permit under 21-year-olds to purchase alcohol. Before 1984, the age at which young people could buy alcohol varied by state even more so than when some states raised it to 21. Apparently, between 2014-2018, young persons between 12-17 have consumed less alcohol. For example, in Bangladesh, alcohol is illegal to Muslims but is legal to non-Muslim tourists in private. On the other extreme, places like China, Bolivia and Indonesia dont have a minimum drinking age at all, so if youre looking to let loose, theres your next holiday destination. It affected this islands economy so much that more than 54,000 people residing there had left. Japan seems to have some of the harshest drinking and driving rules around the world. have abstained from alcohol their entire lives. It does seem to cause less accidents and fatalities, especially in the young people. Want to know more about legal drinking ages around the world? Not all states or provinces have the same rules regarding this. So heres our handy guide to working out where its absolutely forbidden to drink alcohol and where youll have no problems whatsoever. Minors may not always have permission to drink, depending on where they live. Persons operating a motor vehicle in Mexico cannot have more than a .08 percent of alcohol in their system. India is the exception, where some states have a minimum drinking age as high as 25 and 30 years old. However, not all Australian locations require a parent or guardian present when a minor receives alcohol. Families typically serve alcohol with meals, and children as young as five years old are allowed to have at least a little taste. If the accusations of alcohol consumption or possession ring true, the guilty party can be subject to heavy fines, long prison sentences, and even whippings. Make your own map like the one above with BatchGeo. The Minimum Drinking Age in France is 18 for purchases and consumption of all alcoholic beverages. Without a parent or legal guardian, you must be 16 years or older in order to consume or purchase the alcohol. In Florence, Italy, where they dont sell alcohol in stores past 9pm, they issue fines of 500. For buying and consuming drinks with alcohol content 20% and above, the minimum age is 20. Other than these, there isnt any minimum age in the country for alcohol consumption. The Minimum Legal Drinking Age in Germany is 16 for both drinking wine and beer at an establishment and at home. drank in 2016. This established minimum age does control alcohol use, but the country also addresses other alcohol-related issues. No minimum purchase age, but sales restricted to those with government permit, Tourists aged 18 and up may still drink at resorts, India Prohibited in some provinces, 18-25 in others, Indonesia Prohibited in Banda Aceh and Papua, 21 elsewhere, Nigeria Prohibited in Borno, minimum are 18 in Abuja, no limit elsewhere, United Arab Emirates Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else, United States 18 in many states when at home or with parent, Finland 18 for wine and beer, 20 for spirits, Brunei Darussalam Non-Muslims can drink at age 17 with restrictions, Austria 16 for wine and beer, 18 for spirits, Liechtenstein 16 for beer and most drinks, 18 for spirits and alcopops/coolers, Morocco Non-Muslims only. Still prohibited for Muslims, Uganda 16 for some drinks consumed with restaurant meal, 18 otherwise, Angola Age to purchase is 18, consumption limit 18 in Luanda Province, Antigua and Barbuda Age to purchase is 18 on-premise, no minimum off-premise, Bosnia and Herzegovina Age to purchase is 18, Canada Age to purchase is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, & Quebec, 19 elsewhere, Congo (Dem. In Libya, Somalia, and Sudan, it is illegal to consume any alcoholic beverages. For many, being able to buy a legal drink is a sign of maturity and freedom and perhaps a harbinger of questionable decisions and good times to come. You can drink in public in Japan, unlike many other countries.

tatyana Most of the drinks at Djibouti come from France and alcohol prices here can be really heavy on the pockets. On February 18, 2020, the German Government stated that they will not raise the drinking age to 18. Somalia also has implemented very strict laws when it comes to the production of alcohol. Disorderly conduct could result in more serious consequences, including stiffer fines or jail time.

However, they must be at least 16 when with their elders to drink or by alcohol. We Asked 7 Bottle Shop Owners: Whats Your Favorite Sake Right Now? If police catch people operating a vehicle above this BAC limit, they could face at least hundreds of dollars of fines. Residents Returning To UAE Must Receive A GREEN ICA Message, 7 Audio/Video Calling Apps In The UAE You Can Use Right Now, 10 Of The Strangest Places In The World You Can Only Visit on Google Maps, Favorite Street Foods of Bollywood Celebrities, 5 Best Indian Destinations To Visit In August And Why. Also, guess what, pubs remain open here 24*7. Statistics do show the effect of having the drinking age set at 21 instead of 18, which is why lawmakers still try to convince Puerto Rico to change the MLDA. A first DUI offense could land a person in jail for up to 48 hours without being charged and cost them up to about $50881.26 pesos ($2500 USD) in fines. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. While the U.S. is known for its drinking age of 21, this 21 hard limit is actually not the case for all of the states. From hard liquor to hard seltzer, alcoholic beverages are a near-ubiquitous part of many modern cultures: Wine with dinner, beer with friends on the weekend, celebratory champagne toasts, and so on. In all other territories besides Sharjah, the age limit is 21 years. Therefore, the minimum age at which a young person can buy alcohol in Spain stays at 18 as of 2021. In the Maldives, alcohol is legal to tourists over the age of 18, but the sale of alcohol to local Maldivians is punishable by law. You can find alcohol just about any time of the day or night in Jamaica. Regardless of your views on the worlds differing alcohol policies, the map above provides a glimpse into the lives of young adults across the globe. And the country in the Balkans has nothing called a minimum drinking age. The law doesnt restrict anyone to buy alcohol here. However, you can drink at 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec as of 2020. Also Read:10 Great-Tasting Indian Beers Every Beer Lover Must Try. In some of the above countries, you can drink in hotels and clubs but it is an offence to drink, or to be under the influence of alcohol, in public. This pertains to public consumption on licensed premises. Prince Edward Island, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan allow serving to minors at home. Its often assumed that youll be able to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while on holiday if you want it. Just a basic part of the whole resorts experience..right? However, the UK chief recommends that underage persons not drink at least until they are 15. Production, sale, and consumption by Muslims prohibited. These codes also control the content shown on radio and TV or in print or on outdoor signs featuring advertisement. Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Kosovo, Laos, Mali, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Togo, MORE : Top security adviser calls Donald Trump an idiot and a kindergartner, MORE : Teenager gets driving licence with address as My dads house, Get your need-to-know By comparison, only 32.2% of people in Africa and 33.1% of people in South-East Asia (India, North Korea, Sri Lanka, etc.) Even though Japan does have laws that prohibit minors from consuming alcohol, its difficult to enforce. In Canada, India, and the United Arab Emirates, different regions have varying legal drinking ages. Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, Vietnam attracts a large number of tourists from all parts of the world. Believe it or not, the United States is not a one size fits all alcohol policy country. On average, adult Europeans consume about three drinks per day. The drinking age in Canada varies by province, which for most is 19. Should the drinking age coincide with a countrys voting age, military draft age, the age at which you may purchase a lottery ticket, or rent a car? For many countries, alcohol used had increased, but not for Germany. hard liquor), but 16-year-olds can buy beer or wine. Seven countries do not have a government-mandated drinking age, while 11 countries ban the consumption of booze entirely. Visitors can puchase on-site at select locations (mostly fine hotels), residents must have license to purchase and may only drink at home. Anyone in Ireland drunk in public could face fines of at least 100-500, which equals up to about $116-$582 USD. However, the drinking age in Puerto Rico has remained 18 as of 2020. Many of these countries have age specifications on the ABV, or alcohol by volume, as well as the type of alcohol being consumed. 18 in Abuja, prohibited in Borno, 0 everywhere else, 16 for beer and wine (14 if with parent or guardian), 18 for spirits, 16 for onsite beer, wine, or cider when purchased with meal and by an accompanying adult. View Drinking Age Map in a full screen map. The country doesnt take drinking and driving lightly, however, whether you are underage or not. However, Milan has become stricter about serving alcohol to minors since 2009. The country also has experienced greater penalties for drinking on the street as of 2020.

In the 1970s, thats when the countrys provinces and territories began to lower the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) to either 18 or 19 years old. As of January 2010, there are 15 states that outlaw minor consumption of alcohol in public or private settings and 17 states that dont have any sort of ban on underage consumption in private. Since you can, youll see commuters sitting on trains or even sleeping where everyone can see them before driving again. Since Jamaica exists in the water, concern about underage drinking prevails.

Its why Italy now attempts to control teenage drinking more than they did in the past. Furthermore, most of the countries, including France and Italy, consume alcohol with food. Whats the Deal With Major League Baseballs Bizarre New Official Vodka? Excessive drinking can also lead to additional complications including vomiting, memory blackouts, sleepiness to the point of "passing out", and in extreme cases, alcohol poisoning. You could also end up with a fine of approximately 1.3 million yen ($10,000 USD) and lose your license for good.

Several sections of Phillip Park, large portions of Sydney and Queensland also have dry areas. Any violations of these rules may result in a fine of up to 50.000 or over $60,000. At this time, fines were up to $700 for an adult purchasing alcohol for a minor. The Ministry of Health and other organizations have shown a decline in alcohol consumption. However, the Intoxicating Liquor Act states that individual adults or establishments could face penalties of up to 5000, which equals approximately $5819.30 USD. The drinking age in Jamaica is still 18 as of 2021. Most people here accept partying and alcohol to be the norm. To buy other stronger drinks, the legal age is 18. Alcohol is banned in 16 countries, all of them Muslim countries, although some have exceptions for non-Muslims, with separate minimum ages for them and licence laws. The European daily drinking limit is now one drink above what the France public health services recommends. In many countries, the age at which you can legally have a drink is seen as a milestone in ones life. Here are 9 such countries: No, there isnt any law regarding the purchasing and drinking of alcohol in Armenia. At home, parents or guardians can allow their children to have alcohol.

And theres no age bar for purchasing alcohol. Denmark allows the purchase of drinks with less than 16.5% alcohol content for those over 16 years of age. In fact, 35% of the countries on our list follow this rule. @2021 - All Right Reserved. Also Read:10 Countries Where Weed Is Legal & You Can Freely Light Up A Joint. This country also does sentence people to jail and suspends licenses for varying periods depending on the offence. However, Quebec Premier Franois Legault said that the province is not at this time planning to raise the drinking age. In many places of the world, you cannot buy alcohol for people under the minimum drinking age of that location. Canada used to now allow people to drink until age 20-21. School-age children and young adults also receive some of the same warnings about drinking too much alcohol as do the adults. It used to be 16 years old. However, thats when talk of raising the minimum age spread. On the flip side, the youngest drinking age on our list belongs to Germany. Japan has the second-highest drinking age in the world compared to most locations where the minimum age is 21 In Japan, you must be at least 20 years old to purchase and consume alcohol. All but three of these 11 countries are located in Asia, and many of them are Islamic countries. Most European Spanish families teach their children that they can enjoy alcohol in moderation. You cannot walk around with open alcohol containers in public, unless perhaps its at a bar or restaurant that serves cocktails or beer. European nations serve alcohol at most meals, and the idea is not for drunkenness but for sipping. The concept of drinking seems to be less of a big deal in Europe than in America. This calculates close to what the United States constitutes as being a drink. It's usually measured as approximately 12 ounces of beer, 4 ounces of wine or a shot of hard liquor. Greece is full of party-loving people and has a scintillating lifestyle, especially in Mykonos. Republic) Age to purchase is 18, Congo (Republic of) Age to purchase is 16 on-premise, 18 off-premise, Comoros No limits for non-Muslims, prohibited for Muslims, Nigeria No minimum except in Abuja (18) and Borno (prohibited), Saint Kitts and Nevis Age to purchase is 18, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Age to purchase is 18, Trinidad and Tobago Age to purchase is 18. That age has also long been debated.

18 otherwise, Legislation raising the legal age to 21 has been in consideration for several years. Saudi Arabia is one example of a country with severe punishments for the consumption or possession of alcohol. Researchers and public institutions continue to advocate less drinking among teenagers and children. The U.S. is paired with just seven other countries with a drinking age of 21, or four percent, making the U.S. the minority. Kamiya Jani gave up her full time media job to dare to live the life she always wanted. The drinking age in Australia starts at 18. Its up to five years in prison for convictions that involve a .04 BAC or more. Some bars, however, will not allow patrons to enter unless they are 21 even if the drinking age has not yet increased. We Experienced Jabalpurs Snooker Culture And Much More! People underage can drink under parental supervision in some locations such as Manitoba and New Brunswick. If you are traveling or studying in Italy, you might need to know what the drinking age is there. Residents must also get a permit to be able to drink in licensed venues. She set up Curly Tales to let people discover their love for food, travel & indulgences. However, the age raises to 18 when purchasing spirits (a.k.a. Usually, any official photo ID works. Heres where you can freely drink without worrying youll get locked up in jail.. (of course, drink responsibly if you do so). Religious exceptions to the rule pertain to all states. No vendor can sell to anyone who already has had too much to drink, and no one can drive with more than .05 percent of blood alcohol content in their system. The Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code also regulates the way adult beverages are promoted on social and digital media. Health services guidelines advise people to only drink a maximum of two alcoholic beverages at a time and not to do it every single day. Citations probably have raised since. In fact, 64 percent of the worlds nations have legal drinking ages of 18. The most common drinking age around the world may be a bit surprising as it is none. Almost half, or 83 out of the 178 countries (47%) on our list do not have any sort of minimum drinking age requirement. Sudan has prohibited the manufacture, sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol since 1983. Therefore, Canada does recognize MLDA research and a need for a minimum drinking age in general even if not as high as other places, such as in the U.S. There is no age limit for consumption though. Check out the map below to discover the legal minimum drinking ages of countries around the world! Global status report on alcohol and health 2018 - World Health Organization, Minimum Legal Age Limits - International Alliance for Responsible Drinking, World Legal Drinking Ages List - Alcohol Problems and Solutions, Minimum Legal Drinking Age in 190 Countries - ProCon, Prohibited for Muslims, 21 for non-Muslims, Prohibited in Sharjah, 21 everywhere else.

Instead, the government responded to the Green Partys concerns by advocating responsible alcohol use, which they believe is working. Apparently, minors are even allowed to buy it in certain settings, but overall, the drinking age remains at 18. 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec. But did you know that there are certain countries which actually do not have a minimum legal age for drinking? Its because of this decline that the government believes the education about responsible alcohol use is working. The second most common minimum drinking age is 18 years old. Just to the north of the U.S. is Canada, which has a legal drinking age of 18 to 19, and the drinking age is far lower in many other nations.

Puerto Rico did not receive any highway funding from the U.S. Federal Government because they refused to raise the drinking age to 21 years. Or should it be an age unto itself? No limit for off-premise beer sales, 18 for off-premise wine and spirits, 14 for all on-premise sales, Lower if accompanied by someone 21 or older, 15 for beer and wine, no limit for spirits, Lower if consented to by parent or guardian, Those under 18 can purchase if accompanied by parent, No limit for off-premise, 18 for on-premise, 16 for off-premise wine and beer, 18 for off-premise spirits, Consumption for muslims is disallowed in most non-medical cases. These regulations govern where vendors can market alcoholic products. However, law enforcement doesnt usually make an issue out of it unless someone commits vandalism, human violence or other unruly act. In Libya, this prohibition has led to black markets for the sale of alcohol. Alcohol is prohibited in Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Lakshadweep. Raising the drinking age in France is part of that initiative. Also, this restaurant in Delhi serves some delectable Armenian dishes. In 2018, talk of raising the drinking age in Canada did happen. Drivers in Ireland cannot have more than .05 percent blood alcohol concentration in their systems. Only public businesses that have the proper license can sell alcohol, and the drinking age in Ireland is at least 18. These statistics could possibly drive Puerto Rico to raise their drinking age at some point. Likewise, Melbourne City, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania designate their own alcohol-free sections. Reports also revealed possible decreased long-term effects otherwise caused by drinking too much, especially when driving. There are 11 countries or 6% of our list in which any consumption of alcohol whatsoever is considered breaking the law, and there are some pretty severe punishments that go along with it. No place in Mexico allows minors to buy alcohol, and people claiming to be of age must present identification at time of purchase. The drinking age in the U.S. is 21, although this is not the case in every other country, or even in some states within the U.S. Macau is called the Macao Special Administrative Region and it falls under the Peoples Republic of China. Talk of changing the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) to 21 peaked in 2013.

One needs to turn 18 to buy alcohol here, but theres no age limit for alcohol consumption in private. If going alone, they must be 18 to buy or drink. Still, some concerns arise, especially among young people. In Pakistan, non-Muslim citizens may possess alcohol if they are using it in a religious ceremony. The sale, supply and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in Sharjah. About 48 percent of people in Jamaica do binge-drink. Restaurants, hotels and resorts or pubs all have to abide by rules stating what hours of the day they can serve, and they could end up with fines, jail time or closure if they sell to minors.