Germany to Scrap ‘Accompanied Drinking’ for 14- and 15-Year-Olds
The proposal would end “accompanied drinking” and keep beer and wine away from 14- and 15-year-olds, with parliament still needing to approve it.
- On Wednesday, the German government announced plans to scrap a legal provision allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to purchase and consume alcohol when accompanied by parents, backed by Family Minister Karin Prien.
- Officials argue the abolition of 'accompanied drinking' will 'protect young people from the considerable health and social effects of alcohol consumption,' as the current exception contradicts broader addiction prevention efforts.
- Currently, Germany sets the minimum drinking age at 16 for beer, wine, and champagne, rising to 18 for spirits; GKV, the association of statutory health insurance funds, called the move a 'strong and important' boost to public health.
- Before taking effect, the proposed legislation must pass the Forbundsdagen, a debate informed by a 2024 study finding that 6.9 percent of girls and 12.4 percent of boys aged 12 to 17 consume alcohol at least once weekly.
- Drinking rates among young people are less than half the number recorded in 2004, and removing the parental exception aims to further reduce consumption and standardize age-based restrictions nationwide.
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For the government, accompanied consumption does not prevent health risks Johnny Green/impics/picture alliance Germany took another step on Wednesday (13/08) to end an exception in the legislation that allows adolescents aged 14 and 15 to consume alcohol when accompanied by parents or a legal guardian. The federal office approved a proposal from the Minister of the Family, Karin Prien, of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which amends the Yo…
In Germany, young people were allowed to drink when Mom and Dad were there. The government is now breaking up.
In Germany, a person must be at least 16 years old to drink alcohol. Until now, however, there was an exception: Under the supervision of legal guardians, 14- and 15-year-olds could also drink beer or wine. But that is now set to change. The German government approved the abolition of this exception on Wednesday, although the change still needs to be approved by parliament, where the governing coalition has a majority.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
Government plans to end 'accompanied drinking' for young minors, German intelligence agencies granted expanded ability to respond amid growing hybrid threats, people across Europe witness solar eclipse and more news on Thursday, August 13th.
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