What's the law?
Under 18s:
Adults are not allowed to buy alcohol on behalf of under 18s in licensed premises. In the new licensing laws, the only exception is for 16 or 17 year olds who are allowed to drink beer, wine or cider at a meal out with adults (but they may not buy the alcohol themselves).
It is legal for anyone over 5 to drink alcohol. The restrictions apply to purchasing (under 18) and location – on licensed premises or in alcohol exclusion zones. Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from under 18s drinking in public spaces (e.g. in the street or in parks).
