Legal drinking age

Legal drinking age is the age at which a person is permitted by law to consume alcoholic beverages. The legal drinking age and the statutes which regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks vary significantly from one country to another. The drinking age and the age at which a person is permitted to buy alcohol, or to drink alcohol in a public place, such as a bar or pub, or to drink in private such as the home can vary. The objective in restricting the age at which a person can consume alcohol is to protect young persons.

The legal drinking age can also differ depending on the type of alcoholic beverage.

In Europe, people in all countries are allowed to drink alcohol from childhood within their home. For example, in Albania there is no age limit for home consumption, while it is 5 years in the United Kingdom. In India, the legal age may be as high as 25 years depending on the area. Some Islamic nations prohibit Muslims, or both Muslims and non-Muslims, from drinking alcohol at any age.

In some countries, it is not illegal for minors to drink alcohol but the alcohol can be seized without compensation. In some cases, it is illegal to sell or give alcohol to minors. Despite this article's title, the following list indicates the age of the person to whom it is legal to sell alcohol.