German cabinet approves ban on alcohol for under-16s

Germany's cabinet has approved a significant change to its youth protection laws, aiming to ban alcohol consumption for all individuals under 16. The proposed reform specifically targets an existing loophole in the Youth Protection Act that permitted 14- and 15-year-olds to consume or purchase alcoholic beverages when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

According to the draft of the reform, this exception is being removed because it weakens the protection of young people from the considerable health and social consequences of alcohol consumption. The government stated that this exception contradicts its broader goals for enhanced addiction prevention. Currently, a general age limit of 16 applies to the public consumption and sale of beer, wine, or mixed drinks made from them, with the exception for accompanied minors.

While statistics indicate that young people in Germany are drinking less alcohol than two decades ago, the government views this stricter regulation as necessary. The reform underscores a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of minors and addressing the persistent issue of underage drinking. The cabinet's decision moves to close a gap in legislation that was seen as undermining efforts to prevent alcohol-related harm among adolescents.