Alcohol
Alcohol
Young people and alcohol - what the law says
- It's not illegal for under 18s to drink alcohol at home, but if you do want to drink, you should only do it with a parent or another responsible adult.
- It is illegal to try and buy alcohol until you reach 18. It's also against the law for anyone to try and buy it for you.
- Children are allowed in family areas in pubs from the age of 5, but only if the pub has a special 'children's certificate'.
- From the age of 14, you're allowed anywhere in a pub, but you are not allowed to buy any alcohol.
- If you are 16 or17, you can order and drink beer, wine or cider with a meal at a restaurant or pub where food is served - but only if there is an adult with you.
- The police can stop people under 18 if they think they may be carrying alcohol and they can confiscate any alcohol found.
- If you haven't tried alcohol...
Don't assume that you have to drink alcohol - lots of people, young people and adults, decide that drinking alcohol isn't for them.
If your friends are drinking and put pressure on you to join in, it can help to be prepared to say no. Be confident, because - whether your friends will admit it or not - chances are they will respect your ability to decide for yourself.
To find out more, read the leaflet - Things to think about before you try drinking alcohol
If you already drink alcohol...
Nobody needs alcohol to have fun, but if you're going to drink, be smart about it. Take care of yourself in the following ways:
- If you know you're going to be drinking alcohol, eat something first to line your stomach.
- Drink water and soft drinks between alcoholic drinks to keep your body hydrated and to slow down your drinking.
- Don't mix your drinks - it's more likely to make you sick.
- Alcohol makes you vulnerable, so aways plan how you'll get home from a night out - never walk home by yourself.
- Watch out for drink spiking. Don't leave your drink unattended and be careful of accepting drinks from strangers.
To find out more, read the leaflet - Things to think about if you already drink alcohol
Confiscation of alcohol
The police can confiscate an 'open' container as well as the intoxicating liquor (alcohol) it holds (and dispose of both in an appropriate manner) from a person under 18 in a public place other than licensed premises, or any place to which the person has gained unlawful access.
This power extends to a constable being able to confiscate the liquor from a person over 18 if that person intends that the intoxicating liquor should be drunk by someone under 18.