Camps for young people and even school trips are sometimes organised in resorts in Cyprus. If you’re an organiser, a participant or just a parent coming to Cyprus with your teen and you’re wondering what’s the legal drinking age in Cyprus, then you’re in the right place. We’ll go over all you need to know in today’s post.
The law in Cyprus used to be much more in line with Malta’s philosophy. In the not-so-recent past, you needed to be 17 years old to buy and drink alcohol. It has, however, the necessary age to buy alcohol has been changed to 18 in 2020 (source). This does not concern consumption, however.
The minimum cap of 18 concerns both spirits up to a few percent as well as stronger ones. The same regulations apply to buying alcohol in shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs – everywhere, it’s 18 now.
How about consumption? It’s legal to drink in Cyprus from the age of 17. This includes both drinking in public places, like restaurants, clubs, etc. and from the comfort of your own home. If your dad gives you some Chivas Regal while you’re under 17, he’s officially breaking the law. No matter if it’s under adult supervision or not, it’s simply minimum 17. No need to muddle it with extra rules and details.
Of course, as you may know, tourist destinations of this kind tend to be very relaxed in their approach to cigarettes and alcohol regulations. Minors can usually find a way to buy alcohol either way.
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