The Law
Under 5
It is illegal to give an alcoholic drink to a child under 5, except under medical supervision in an emergency. 14 or 15
You can go anywhere in a pub, but cannot buy or drink alcohol.
Under 18
It is against the law for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol .
It is illegal for adults(over 18’s) to buy alcohol on behalf of under 18’s. In the new licensing laws, the only exception is for 16 or 17 year olds who are allowed to drink beer, wine or cider at a meal out with adults. They may not buy the alcohol themselves.
Buying alcohol for those under 18
Police have the power to charge those over 18 years old who knowingly buy alcohol for anyone under the legal drinking age; this is called proxy sales . Selling to those under 18
The laws say that it is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 years old.
Drinking in public:
Currently it isn’t illegal to drink in public. However many areas have alcohol-free zones that target town centres and/or residential areas where there is a particular issue with drinking in public.
Drink driving:
Driving with more than 35 microgram’s of alcohol in 100 millilitres or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood; or 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine is a criminal offence as is failing to give a sample. Don’t confuse the drink drive rule with units as they are not linked! Yes, it is confusing so the best thing to do is avoid drink altogether if you need to drive.