According to the Federal Government’s Addiction and Drug Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, young people aged 14 and over should not be allowed to drink alcohol in public, even when accompanied by their parents.
“When children and young people sit next to their parents, the effect of alcohol is and remains the same and catastrophic at this age,” said SPD politician Ippen Media. “But we also need the political will to change this regulation.”
In Germany, the consumption of alcohol in public is permitted from the age of 14, if the father or mother is present. “This regulation is unique in Europe,” said Blienert. “This reflects the anachronistic perception that we don’t have an alcohol problem in Germany. But we do have a big problem with alcohol consumption.” Blienert spoke out in favor of a uniform age limit of 18 for all addictive substances. “This is also the recommendation that many doctors support.”
