Germany to ban alcohol sales to 14- and 15-year-olds, even with adult supervision

Germany's government is moving to prohibit 14- and 15-year-olds from purchasing beer and wine, even if they are with a responsible adult. The proposal, backed by the entire cabinet and put forward by Family Minister Karin Prien, aims to enhance health and social protections for young people.

The current law allows this age group to buy alcohol when accompanied by a parent, but the government argues this exception contradicts its anti-addiction initiatives. The proposed change seeks to close this loophole, aligning with broader efforts to prevent substance abuse.

For individuals not accompanied by an adult, the age limit for purchasing and consuming beer, wine, or low-alcohol mixed drinks remains 16. The new legislation will be debated in the Bundestag, where its passage will determine the future of alcohol sales regulations for minors in Germany.

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The exception in the law on the protection of young people, which has given 14- and 15-year-olds the opportunity to buy alcohol in the company of a parent, is about to be changed.