Alcohol and the Law
Did you know…
- Under age drinking is an illegal act unless with a parent , guardian or relative over 18.
- It is illegal to buy or attempt to buy alcohol in a bar for a person under the age of 18. The maximum fine for this is £1,000!
- There are lots of laws around drinking, and it can get a little confusing. Often people can be breaking it—without even realising!
So here's exactly what you can and can't do to stay inside the law:
It's illegal to…
- In a pub or bar (including beer gardens) under the age of 16, unless they have a child certificate.
- Buy alcohol from anywhere if you're under 18.
- Buy alcohol for mates who are under 18.
- Allow under 18's to consume alcohol when working in a licensed premise (e.g. an off license, supermarket or restaurant).
- Sell alcohol to anyone under age. The actual sales assistant, the licensee and the company can be fined up to £1,000. It may also lead to the licensee losing their license.
It's legal to…
- To be bought a glass of wine with a meal, if you are aged 16 – 18 years as long as an adult is present eg parent
- To drink alcohol at home as long as there is parental supervision
- To ask any customer for proof of age, and refuse to serve alcohol if proof of age is not provided (passport, Manx/European driving licence or IOM Government 18+ card)
- For a Police Officer to confiscate alcohol from under 18s in public places.
Drinking In Public
- The Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from you if you are caught drinking in public (such as parks and public transport) alcohol free zones
- If you are under 18, they can contact your parents
- It is an arrestable offence to fail to comply with the Police Officer's request.