Most countries set the legal drinking age at 18. The main exceptions are the United States (21), Japan (20), and a handful of countries with no minimum age.
Drinking Age by Country
| Country | Legal Drinking Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 21 | Purchase and public consumption |
| Canada | 18 / 19 | 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Québec; 19 elsewhere |
| United Kingdom | 18 | |
| France | 18 | Unified age since 2009 |
| Germany | 16 / 18 | 16 for beer/wine; 18 for spirits |
| Spain | 18 | |
| Italy | 18 | |
| Japan | 20 | |
| South Korea | 19 | International age |
| China | 18 | |
| Australia | 18 | |
| Brazil | 18 | |
| Mexico | 18 | |
| Netherlands | 18 | Raised from 16 in 2014 |
| Poland | 18 |
Countries With No Legal Drinking Age
A small number of countries have no national law setting a minimum drinking age. These include Cambodia, Kosovo, and a few others. In many cases, local or religious customs still regulate alcohol consumption.
Why Is the US Drinking Age 21?
The US raised its national minimum drinking age to 21 in 1984 through the National Minimum Drinking Age Act. States that did not comply risked losing federal highway funding. The law was primarily motivated by drunk driving statistics among young adults aged 18–20.
FAQ
What country has the lowest drinking age?
Germany allows beer and wine consumption from age 16, one of the lowest in the world. Some countries have no legal minimum age at all.
What is the drinking age in Europe?
Most European countries set the drinking age at 18. Germany allows beer and wine at 16. Some smaller nations have no minimum.
Can you drink at 18 in the US?
No. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 nationwide.