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.
Country | Age Restrictions |
| Australia | 18 |
| Belgium | 16 |
| Bermuda | 18 |
| Canada | 18 |
| France | 18 |
| Germany | beer/wine 16, rest 18 |
| Ireland | 18 |
| Italy | none |
| Japan | 20 legally, 18 practically |
| Mexico | 18 |
| New Zealand | 18 |
| United Kingdom | 5-drink,16-buy |
| United States | 21 |
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
All content on the WineIntro website is personally written by author and wine enthusiast Lisa Shea. WineIntro explores the delicious variety and beautiful history which makes up our world of wine! Lisa loves supporting local wineries and encouraging people to drink whatever they like. We all have different taste buds, and that makes our world wonderful. Always drink responsibly.