Underage Drinking

What you can do

If you are under 18 and are with your parent or legal guardian you can:

• drink responsibly in a private home or at a private function like a family BBQ or 21st
• go into supervised area of bars and pubs (that's most bars - but to be sure - check the licence)

What you can’t do

If you are under 18 and without your parent or guardian you can't:

• drink in a public place
• go into pubs and bar
• buy booze or get an adult18 years and over to buy you booze
• carry a fake ID or use someone else's.

A person who is under 18 can only be supplied with alcohol by their parent or legal guardian. Laws are being toughened up for underage drinkers and those who sell or supply them alcohol. Penalties for breaking the law have increased.

Legal guardian as defined by the Guardianship Act does not include other family members like grandparents, uncles and aunties or older brothers, sisters, spouses or partners. Neither does it include sports coaches or anyone else temporarily acting in the place of a parent.

See the frequently asked questions section for additional information.