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Alcohol Drinking Ages by Country

Every country has its own laws about who can and cannot drink. Often, laws are not enforced strictly, or are set aside if a parent or guardian is present. In some countries a parent can buy glasses of wine for the teenagers at the table in a restaurant, while this is forbidden in other countries.

CountryAge Restrictions
Australia18
Belgium16
Bermuda18
Canada18
France18
Germany beer/wine 16, rest 18
Ireland18
Italynone
Japan20 legally, 18 practically
Mexico18
New Zealand18
United Kingdom5-drink,16-buy
United States21

Note: I had New Zealand researched as 18 with adult, 21 alone - but several New Zealanders have written me to say you really can drink in public if you're 18.

Society and Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol Abstainer Chart
Wine Consumption Around the World
United States Wine Consumption
United States Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol Drinking Ages by Country
World Wine Export Rates

Wine Regions in History

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