Why is legal drinking age so low in Europe?

According to UNEWS, lowering the drinking age to 18 allows 18 to 20 year olds to consume alcohol safely in regulated environments, with supervision. The article also mentions Europe’s small size is one of the many factors that contributes to its lower drinking age.

What country in Europe has the lowest drinking age?

Germany has one of the lowest legal drinking ages in Europe, allowing youth to drink alcohol at 14 when accompanied by an adult.

Why is there a minimum drinking age?

Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving began agitating for a uniform national drinking age of 21 to help eliminate these blood borders and keep alcohol out of the hands of supposedly less-mature 18-year-olds. As a result, President Reagan signed the aforementioned National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984.

Do European countries have a drinking age?

Drinking in Europe In most places in Europe, you can buy and drink alcohol of any kind if you’re over 18. Although many countries allow minors to drink some alcohol, 18 is the minimum age to purchase in countries including France, Ireland and Germany.

Do countries with lower drinking ages have more problems?

Countries with lower drinking ages have fewer alcohol-related problems. No other country has a higher drinking age. Other than the US, the only countries with a national minimum drinking age of 21 are Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Oman, Sri Lanka, and Tonga.

What countries can 16 year olds drink?

Minimum Drinking Age of 16

• Austria (18 in some areas and varies by beverage) Dominica.
• British Virgin Islands.
• Congo.
• Dominica.
• Germany (varies by beverage)
• Guyana (varies by beverage)
• Liechtenstein (varies by beverage)
• Lithuania.

Which country has the lowest drinking age?

Drinking Age In Italy Italy has set a minimum legal drinking age at 16 years, one of the lowest MLDA in the world.

What is the legal drinking age in European countries?

In all European countries, the legal drinking age is less than this, running from about 15 years old up to 20. Here is a look at the legal drinking age in European countries in more detail, and whether a younger drinking age or an older one is generally beneficial for society.

Why do Europeans drink so much alcohol?

Studies also show that the more economic wealth a country has, the more alcohol they consume, and the more heavy drinking there is. In some circles, Europe has a reputation for promoting responsible drinking in its youths, but many engage in heavy drinking there.

How many countries have a minimum drinking age of zero?

Ninety-six (96) countries/possessions in the world have a minimum drinking age of zero. And of those that have higher legal drinking ages, the average age is 18.6.

Where is it legal to drink alcohol in the world?

The United States and 11 other countries have an MLDA of 21 years old, the highest MLDA of all the countries where it is legal to drink (although some areas of India have drinking ages as high as 25 and 30 years old). Alcohol is banned in 16 countries, all of them Muslim countries, although some have exceptions for non-Muslims.