Can a sixteen year old drink alcohol in a restaurant?

Maureen43

My dd turns 16 in a few weeks and I want to take her out for a celebratory meal, with perhaps a glass of wine.


She thinks that, at 16, she can have an alcoholic drink with her meal if it is purchased with food by an adult.


A friends tell me this is only true in pubs which serve food.


That sounds a bit woolly to me!


Does anyone know the law on this?


Thanks
M

bsms1147

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/alcohol-and-the-law/the-law-on-alcohol-and-under-18s

It is not illegal:
For someone over 18 to buy a child over 16 beer, wine or cider if they are eating a table meal together in licensed premises.

Your daughter is correct.

esuhl

If I remember rightly, the law says that she can have up to two pints of either beer or cider, when purchased with a meal bought by an adult.

I'll see if I can find a link to some verified facts...
(Oh -- beaten to it by faster typists!)

Gloomendoom

Young people aged 16 or 17 can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal if it is bought by an adult and they are accompanied by an adult.

It is illegal for this age group to drink spirits in pubs even with a meal.

Source

WillowCat

She is correct https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law

bsms1147

4 correct replies immediately, each at the exact same time.

What a response!

pleasedelete

It is legal however restaurant policy varies even within chains. One Pizza Express I go to is fine about it and explains the law- another has a blanket not under 18 rule.

So maybe ask the place you are going before you book. Some pub chains are no under 18 as well.

gayleygoo

I worked in a restaurant and we would serve beer, cider and wine to 16 year olds as long as they were having a main meal and it was being paid for by adults. They couldn't have spirits though.

It is also not illegal to give a child over the age of 5 wine, beer or cider at home, although it's strongly recommended not to do so! I remember we got to have something alcoholic with our Christmas dinner at home from we were about 13!

Noctu

Whilst it is legally OK, as another poster has mentioned, many places will refuse to do so anyway. Might be worth phoning up the restaurant beforehand to ask about their policy if you're set on the idea.

Savvy_Sue

They might also want to see ID for her!

One of the big pub chains IDs young people ordering alcohol at the table with a meal - maybe they ID everyone, I don't know because I'm usually driving, but I don't think they do - so again, this is something to check before you arrive.

NAR

Maureen may I commend you on introducing your daughter responsibly to alcohol, enjoy your meal :beer: