Alcohol and the law

Drinking alcohol affects the way the body works and can cause significant harm in the community, especially when it is consumed at risky levels. Most places have laws designed to reduce this harm. These laws vary from country to country, and sometimes between regions within a country, so it is important to check the rules that apply where you live.

This article explains, in general terms, the main areas that alcohol laws usually cover. It does not set out the specific limits, ages or penalties for any one country, because those differ widely. For the exact rules in your area, check your local government or health authority.

Why there are alcohol laws#

Alcohol laws aim to:

• reduce the health harms linked to drinking, such as injury, illness and dependence
• protect the community from risky or antisocial behavior linked to alcohol
• keep roads and public places safer
• prevent young people from being harmed by alcohol

Breaches of these laws commonly carry penalties such as fines, loss of a driving license or, in serious cases, imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the law where you live.

Drink driving#

Driving after drinking is a major cause of road deaths and serious injuries. Most countries set a legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers, and many apply a lower or zero limit to particular groups, such as learner and newly licensed drivers or professional drivers. The actual limit varies by country, so check the rules where you drive.

Because everyone’s body handles alcohol differently, the only sure way to stay under any limit is not to drink at all if you are going to drive. Many things influence your BAC, including the amount and type of alcohol, how quickly you drink, your body size, your general health and how much food is in your stomach.

Police in many places carry out roadside breath testing. The driver blows into a hand-held device, and the reading appears on a digital display. Refusing a lawful breath test is usually a serious offense in its own right, often carrying penalties similar to or worse than failing the test.

Underage drinking#

Most countries set a minimum legal drinking age and a minimum age for buying alcohol. There are usually laws about:

• buying alcohol while under the legal age, including buying it on someone else’s behalf
• adults supplying alcohol to someone under the legal age (sometimes called secondary supply)
• young people being on licensed premises where alcohol is served

Rules on whether a parent, guardian or another responsible adult may allow a young person to drink at home vary by location. Where this is allowed, the law often expects responsible supervision, taking into account factors such as the young person’s age, whether they are also eating, and the amount and type of alcohol. Selling or supplying alcohol to someone under the legal age, including through online orders and deliveries, can result in significant penalties. You may be asked for proof of age in a licensed venue or when ordering alcohol online.

Drinking in public and licensing#

Many places regulate where and when alcohol can be consumed in public, and venues that sell alcohol usually need a license. Licensing laws typically control who can supply alcohol, who it can be supplied to, and where and when it can be sold or consumed.

Licensed venues generally must check identification, refuse service to anyone who is already intoxicated, and can refuse entry or ask a person to leave. Some areas use bans or barring orders to keep repeat troublemakers away from venues or locations associated with alcohol-related violence. Approaches to public drunkenness differ: some areas treat it as an offense, while others focus on offering health and welfare support instead.

Looking after your health#

Beyond the law, alcohol carries real health risks. Regular or heavy drinking is linked to several cancers, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease such as heart disease and stroke, as well as accidents, falls and alcohol poisoning. The less you drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related harm, and for some people not drinking at all is the safest option. National drinking guidelines, where they exist, can help you judge what is lower-risk.

Key points#

• Alcohol laws cover drink driving, underage drinking, public drinking and liquor licensing, and they vary by country, so check the rules where you live.
• Breaches commonly carry penalties such as fines, loss of license or imprisonment.
• Because everyone’s body handles alcohol differently, the only sure way to stay safe to drive is not to drink if you will be driving.
• The less you drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related illness and injury.

Where to get help#