It is legal for anyone over the age of 5 to drink alcohol. Restrictions apply to purchase (under 18) and location – on licensed premises, in public places or in alcohol-free zones. The police have the power to confiscate alcohol from young people under the age of 18 who drink in public spaces (e.g. on the street or in parks). It is illegal to sell alcohol to people under the age of 18. There are good reasons why buying alcohol is illegal for people under the age of 18. Alcohol can be harmful to children and adolescents, with health risks such as acute alcohol poisoning, an increased risk of violence, and damage to developing organs such as the brain and liver.1,2 Most licensed facilities do not go that far, but many applied for permits in 2005 that allowed them to open longer hours than before. However, as in the past, licensees are not required to use their allotted time. Premises that still close at 23:00 (for commercial reasons) for most of the week may have licenses that allow them to stay open longer, perhaps for several hours. A spontaneous stay after 23:00 is therefore legal in these premises if the licensee so decides. The portion of alcohol must continue to be interrupted when the closing time of the permit is reached. Only the holder of the authentic “24-hour” driving licence, which is relatively rare, enjoys complete freedom in this respect. Health risks for youth – which can occur after drinking very modest amounts of alcohol by adult standards – include the possibility of alcohol poisoning or involvement in violence and finding themselves in vulnerable or dangerous situations.
Anyone convicted of illegally supplying alcohol to someone under the age of 18 would have a criminal record and could pay a significant fine. This applies to people who walk or work in a pub or business, parents or guardians, or anyone else. The police may search minors in public places and confiscate or destroy alcoholic beverages in their possession. Incidents are reported to the legal guardian and child protection services, who may be involved in child protection proceedings. In addition, a fine is imposed on persons aged 15 and over. [167] However, Drink Aware publishes guidelines for alcohol consumption by those under 18: “If youth aged 15 to 17 consume alcohol, they should limit it to one day per week. In chemical terms, alcohol is an organic compound formed during the fermentation of grains, vegetables or fruits. Medically, alcohol is classified as a sedative (as opposed to a stimulant like caffeine or a hallucinogen like psilocybin) with a variety of physiological effects.
Most of these effects involve slowing down or obstructing bodily functions. For example, alcohol inhibits bodily motor functions and slows reaction times. The more you drink, the slower and clumsier they become. Similarly, alcohol also hinders the brain`s communication pathways. While one or two drinks can make a person looser and more relaxed, continued consumption leads to symptoms such as slurred speech, cloudy thinking, and poor decision-making. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to additional complications such as vomiting, memory loss, drowsiness up to fainting, and in extreme cases, alcohol poisoning. Finally, long-term excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to serious physiological conditions, including (but not limited to) pancreatitis, cardiomyopathy, liver disease, hyperglycemia, cancer, and various neurological disorders. Chronology of changes in the age of alcohol purchase/purchase or laws restricting access to alcohol for minors: And the law also determines when it is illegal for those under 18 to consume alcohol. Read this guide for the full picture. Section 78 of the Children`s Act – No person shall sell, lend, give, supply, provide or offer liquor to children under 16 years of age unless there is a written order signed by the parent or guardian of the child known to that person. The police have a duty to confiscate any alcoholic beverage in the possession of a child under the age of 16 without the written consent of parents or guardians. [38] The police have the power to prosecute persons over the age of 18 who knowingly purchase alcohol for persons under the legal drinking age (proxy purchase).
It is important for older friends and family to know that they could be charged with irresponsible distribution of alcohol.