Should alcohol only be bought in Germany from the age of 18? This demand is currently being discussed again. The most important questions and answers.
What is the legal situation in Germany?
In Germany, young people are allowed to drink wine, sparkling wine or beer from the age of 14 if their parents are present and allow it. This rule, also known as “supervised drinking”, is often criticized. From the age of 16, these drinks can be purchased by the young person. From the age of 18, the consumption and purchase of high-proof drinks such as liquor is also permitted.
Why is this being talked about now?
The idea of only allowing alcohol consumption from the age of 18 is not new. The Federal Government’s Commissioner for Addiction and Drugs, Burkhard Blienert (SPD), has been calling for this for some time and has now repeated his request in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”. The Conference of Health Ministers of the States also addressed the issue in June. Experts have now been commissioned to look again at the issue of youth protection and alcohol. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach also spoke out in favor of a ban on alcohol for minors.
The debate has also been fueled by a study by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) that was published a few weeks ago. The result: There is no safe amount of alcohol. The DGE has therefore changed its position and now generally advises against drinking alcohol.
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What are the arguments for only allowing alcohol consumption from the age of 18?
Since alcohol is harmful, there are quite a few reasons to limit consumption – especially for minors. Young people are particularly sensitive to alcohol because their brains are still developing. Alcohol can affect this development. At the request of the star says Andrea Hardeling, Managing Director of the Brandenburg State Office for Addiction Issues: “The areas of the brain that are responsible for planning, judgement and decision-making are particularly at risk.” Alcohol also encourages risk-taking, and thus the risk of accidents, for example, increases. A spokeswoman for the Federal Center for Health Education also points out: “The earlier young people start drinking alcohol regularly, the sooner they get used to it.” This can encourage future addiction.
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Is there anything against it?
So far, there are no facts to justify why people under 18 should be allowed to consume alcohol. Nor are there any studies that confirm the argument that bans would make drugs attractive to young people. However, minors seem to have come up with the idea on their own: According to a survey by the Federal Center for Health Education, alcohol consumption among 12- to 17-year-olds has already fallen significantly. While in 1973 more than 25 percent of young people surveyed said they regularly consumed alcohol, in 2021 this figure was just under 9 percent.
How is it regulated in neighboring countries?
In fact, Germany is much more liberal than its neighbouring countries. Drinking is not allowed anywhere there from the age of 14. In Turkey, Spain, Italy, Holland, Poland and the Czech Republic, you have to be 18 years old to drink or buy alcohol. In France, you can drink alcohol from the age of 16 in the presence of and with the permission of your parents. In Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Denmark, you can drink wine and beer from the age of 16.
Sources: , , ,, , DPA,
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
