Germany to ban supervised drinking for teenagers
A rule that allows 14 and 15-year-olds to drink alcohol in Germany when supervised by an adult is set to be scrapped.
Germany plans to eliminate a provision in its laws that permits 14 and 15-year-olds to drink alcohol under adult supervision. This practice, deeply ingrained in German social gatherings such as birthdays and weddings, could soon be phased out. The German Cabinet recently endorsed the change, which will be discussed in the Bundestag.
Family Minister Karin Prien, a member of the centre-right CDU, initiated the proposal. Instead of raising the legal drinking age to 18, the government opts to remove the exception for younger teenagers. Currently, the Youth Protection Act allows 14- and 15-year-olds to drink beer, wine, or sparkling wine when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Once the plan passes, this exemption will be abolished, and the existing age limit of 16 for consuming these beverages will remain unchanged. Health officials have expressed concerns over alcohol consumption among young Germans, advocating for stronger addiction prevention measures. However, recent trends indicate a decline in alcohol usage among the age group in question.
According to a 2024 study, only 6.9% of girls and 12.4% of boys aged 12 to 17 consumed alcohol weekly, a significant drop from 2004 figures. Germany's laws already grant 16- and 17-year-olds the right to buy and consume alcoholic drinks, subject to age restrictions. Under the current Youth Protection Act, 16- and 17-year-olds can purchase and consume beer, wine, sparkling wine, and similar drinks in public.
However, stronger alcoholic beverages, including schnapps, vodka, and whisky, remain off-limits to those under 18. If the proposal becomes law, this distinction will no longer exist. In contrast, neighboring France enforces a strict ban on alcohol sales or offers to anyone under 18, with no exceptions for teenagers. The German state health ministers and the Federal Government's Drug Commissioner, Hendrik Streeck, have all voiced support for the proposed ban.
The Cabinet's decision marks the first step in the legislative process, with the proposal still requiring approval from the Bundestag and Bundesrat before becoming law.
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