Legal Drinking Age Worldwide by Country
As a self-proclaimed global traveler or a beer enthusiast, it’s always good to know the legal drinking age in different countries. However, each country has its own set of laws and regulations for the minimum legal drinking age. Let’s explore the legal drinking age in different countries, from around the world!
Here are the minimum legal drinking ages for the following countries:
- Australia: 18 years (varies by state)
- Belgium: 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits and other distilled alcoholic beverages
- Brazil – 18 years old
- Canada: 18 or 19 years (varies by province)
- China – 18 years old
- Costa Rica: 18 years
- Denmark: 18 years
- France: 18 years
- Germany: 16 years for beer and wine, 18 years for spirits
- Hong Kong: 18 years
- India: Varies by state (typically between 18-25 years)
- Ireland: 18 years Italy: 18 years
- Italy – 18 years old
- Jamaica: 18 years old
- Japan: 20 years
- Lithuania: 20 years old
- Malaysia: 18 years
- Mexico: 18 years
- Netherlands: 18 years
- New Zealand: 18 years
- Norway: 18 years
- Philippines: 18 years
- Russia: 18 years
- Singapore: 18 years
- South Africa: 18 years
- South Korea – 19 years old
- Spain: 18 years
- Sweden: 18 years (to purchase at System bolaget, the government-owned liquor stores)
- Switzerland: 16 years for beer and wine, 18 years for spirits
- United Kingdom: 18 years (16 years for beer, wine, or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult)
- United States: 21 years
Please note that the legal drinking age laws may vary by state, region, or province within each country. Also, it’s important to understand that drinking laws are enforced differently in different countries. Additionally, the legal drinking age can change over time, so it’s always advisable to check with local authorities or official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Legal Drinking Age in India by State
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the legal drinking age in India varies from state to state. Here are the legal drinking ages in some major states of India:
- Andhra Pradesh: 21 years
- Arunachal Pradesh: 18 years
- Assam: 21 years
- Bihar: The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned in Bihar since 4 April 2016.
- Chhattisgarh: 21 years
- Goa: 18 years (for beer and wine) and 21 years (for hard liquor)
- Gujarat: The sale and consumption of alcohol are mostly banned in Gujarat, except for some licensed establishments like 5-star hotels.
- Haryana: 25 years
- Himachal Pradesh: 18 years
- Jharkhand: 21 years
- Karnataka: 21 years (for beer and wine) and 25 years (for hard liquor)
- Kerala: 23 years
- Madhya Pradesh: 21 years
- Maharashtra: 21 years (for beer and wine) and 25 years (for hard liquor)
- Manipur: 21 years
- Meghalaya: 21 years
- Mizoram: The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned in Mizoram since 2019
- Nagaland: Sale and consumption illegal since 1989
- Odisha: 21 years
- Punjab: 25 years
- Rajasthan: 21 years
- Sikkim: 18 years
- Tamil Nadu: 21 years
- Telangana: 21 years
- Tripura: 21 years
- Uttar Pradesh: 21 years
- Uttarakhand: 21 years
- West Bengal: 21 years
Please note that these age limits might have changed after my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. It’s always advisable to check with the local authorities or updated sources for the most accurate and current information.
Legal Drinking Age in India by Union Territories
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: 21 years
- Chandigarh: 25 years
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu: 21 years
- Lakshadweep: The sale and consumption of alcohol are banned Lakshadweep
- Delhi: 25 years (for the consumption of hard liquor) and 21 years (for beer and wine)
- Puducherry: 18 years
- Ladakh: 18 years
- Jammu and Kashmir: 18 years
The importance of abiding by the drinking age laws
It’s important to follow the legal drinking age in a country because it’s the law. Each country has its own reasons for setting a certain age limit, and it could vary from culture to cultural. Remember, drinking underage could lead to serious consequences like fines, arrest, or even blacklisting for future opportunities.
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