What is the drinking age in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the legal age to buy beer and wine is 16, while the age to buy spirits (liquor) is 18, with some cantons like Ticino requiring 18 for all alcohol. Public consumption by minors isn't federally illegal, but cantons can have stricter rules, and it's generally legal for 16/17-year-olds to drink beer/wine, especially with parents, while spirits are consistently restricted to 18+.

What age is a minor in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, the age of majority (adulthood) is 18 years old, meaning individuals under 18 are generally considered minors, entitled to special protection under child welfare laws, and subject to juvenile justice for offenses. Specific rights and responsibilities vary, but children under 18 are treated as minors for most legal purposes, including asylum and general child protection, though criminal liability can start as early as 10 for educational measures, with potential for adult courts from 16 for serious crimes. 

Where is the lowest drinking age?

According to the World Health Organisation, Burkina Faso is often cited as having the world's youngest legal drinking age – effectively 13, though enforcement is minimal and the law rarely applied. In the Central African Republic, alcohol can be purchased at 15 from a shop but not served in a bar until 21.

Can 16 year olds drink with parents?

Yes, in the UK, a 16-year-old can legally drink beer, wine, or cider with a meal when accompanied by an adult in licensed premises, and it's not illegal for them to drink alcohol at home or on other private property, but the Chief Medical Officers recommend an alcohol-free childhood for health reasons. However, it's illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol, and pubs can refuse service even with the legal exception.

Can 14 year olds drink alcohol NHS?

The Chief Medical Officer advises that children should not drink alcohol until they are at least 15. It is illegal for children under 18 to buy alcohol.

Minimum Legal Drinking Ages Around the World | Re:Wine w/bschwitty

Can a 15 year old serve alcohol in a pub in the UK?

This means that a child aged 16 or 17 can work as a waiter or waitress in a dining room and serve alcohol without supervision. Children can also work in a bar serving alcohol, as long as each individual sale has been specifically approved by a responsible person.

What is the Russian drinking age?

Grand Principality of Moscow

There has also been a push to raise this drinking age from 18 to 21 years old. A person has to be around 18 years old to be able to drink alcohol in Russia, even if their parents have approved of them drinking below that age.

Can a British 18 year old drink in the USA?

Travelers to the U.S. should remember that the legal drinking age throughout the country is 21. Fake ID's have become a big problem with underage drinkers. If caught with one, there are big fines and potentially jail time involved.

What is the oldest drinking age in the world?

The majority of countries have set MLDA at 18 or 19 years. The United States (except Puerto Rico and Virginia's Island) and 19 other countries, especially Asian countries, have the highest set MLDA. However, some areas in India have drinking ages as high as 25-30 years.

Can I shower after 10pm in Switzerland?

Like in any other country, many rules have been introduced to reinforce common sense. Rules that may be included in your rental contract, like 'no flushing and no shower after 10pm' are there to enforce common sense and stress the fact that you should not bother your neighbours.

Is nudism legal in Switzerland?

But Switzerland, a country famous for its outdoor lifestyle, does not permit naked hiking. The country has no law on public nudity, but it does prohibit indecent exposure.

What age do you finish high school in Switzerland?

There is no standardised national exam or diploma at 15 – however, most children at international or private schools will stay on at school until 18 and graduate with an IB diploma or similar. Around 90 per cent of Swiss pupils choose to continue their education beyond the age of 15.

At what age can you buy cigarettes in Switzerland?

Since 1 October 2024, the Federal Act on Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes bans the sale to minors (under 18) throughout Switzerland.

What is the drinking culture in Switzerland?

Swiss drinking culture is generally relaxed and social, focusing on wine and beer, often enjoyed moderately with meals or after work, but younger generations are increasingly embracing mindful drinking for health reasons, while public drinking of beer/wine is common and accepted. Beer, especially lagers, is very popular, and spirits are consumed but less dominant. The culture blends traditional appreciation for local drinks with modern wellness trends, allowing for a liberal approach to public consumption, though binge drinking is also a concern.
 

At what age can you leave a child home alone in Switzerland?

According to Swiss parenting platform Letsfamiliy.ch, children under the age of four must always be supervised. From the age of nine, they can be left alone for a maximum of one hour, but only in a safe area or at home, and only if a parent is in the immediate vicinity.

Can a 14 year old drink in a pub with parents?

In the UK, a 14-year-old cannot legally drink alcohol in a pub, even with parents, though they might be allowed in certain pubs with a "children's certificate" if accompanied by an adult, but they cannot consume alcohol there; it's illegal to buy or be given alcohol under 16, and while 16-17 year olds can drink beer, wine, or cider with a meal with an adult, the rules for under-16s in pubs are strict and vary by venue, with most pubs prohibiting under-16s from drinking anything. 

Can a 14 year old drink alcohol in a restaurant in France?

The legal drinking age in France is currently 18-years-old, at which age residents and tourists alike can purchase alcohol or drink it in bars or restaurants. (Though from 16-years-old, French teens may order alcoholic beverages at restaurants in the presence of their adult guardians.)

Can a 16 year old drink alcohol with a meal in Wetherspoons?

No, a 16-year-old cannot drink any alcohol, including low-alcohol or non-alcoholic versions, with a meal at Wetherspoons, as their strict policy forbids alcohol for anyone under 18 on their premises, even though UK law might permit it with a meal and adult supervision. Wetherspoons also has a "Challenge 21" or "Challenge 25" policy, requiring ID if you look under 21/25, and welcomes unaccompanied 16/17-year-olds for food and soft drinks only.

What is the legal drinking age in Portugal?

The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) in Portugal is 18 years. Long ago, the legal drinking age in Portugal was 16. However, in 2015, the regional government raised it to 18. This drinking age limit applies across all regions of the country, from Northern Portugal and Central Portugal to Lisbon and the Madeira Islands.

Which country has the highest rates of alcoholism?

Alcoholism by Country 2026

• Mongolia. 4,818 per 100k.
• Belarus. 4,494 per 100k.
• Russia. 4,379 per 100k.
• Kazakhstan. 4,100 per 100k.
• Greenland. 3,996 per 100k.

Can a 5 year old drink at home in the UK?

In England, Scotland and Wales, it's not illegal for someone between the ages of five and 17 to drink alcohol at home or on other private premises. But this does not mean it is recommended. The best advice for young people's health and wellbeing is an alcohol-free childhood.

Can a 13 year old collect glasses in a pub?

A: Some under 18s (young people) can work in pubs and restaurants; they can wait on tables, collect glasses, clear tables and take orders from customers. Under 18s can even work behind the bar pulling pints and serving whiskies.

Is it illegal to walk around drunk in public?

Public Intoxication

It is against the law for any person to be in public under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and unable to care for his or her own safety or the safety of others (Section 647(t) Penal Code). A person's BAC level is not a factor in whether the person can be arrested under this law.