Germany to end drinking rule for 14- and 15-year-olds

Germany's government said Wednesday it would scrap a legal provision that allows 14- and 15-year-olds to buy and consume alcohol when accompanied by their parents.

The government said ending so-called “accompanied drinking” would protect young people from the health and social effects of alcohol consumption. The change still has to pass parliament before taking effect.

Germany's minimum age for drinking beer, wine and champagne is 16. The minimum age is 18 for spirits and other harder drinks.

The GKV association of statutory health insurance funds welcomed the planned change. Spokesman Florian Lanz said keeping children and young people away from alcohol for longer was better for their health.

Germany's health ministry says average alcohol consumption is about 10 litres per person each year, which it describes as high by international comparison, although rates are declining.

A 2024 study found that 6.9 percent of girls and 12.4 percent of boys aged 12 to 17 drank alcohol at least once a week, less than half the share recorded in 2004.