If you’re going on a school trip or actual holidays to Spain and you’re not sure if you’re old enough to consume alcohol, we’ve got you covered. What is the legal drinking age in Spain? How old do you have to be and does it vary between different areas of Spain? All the different regulations can get a bit confusing, but we’ll clarify it for you.
The legal drinking age in Spain was last changed in 2009. Until then, the country was struggling with drinking problems among teenagers, as the minimum age was 16 years old. Unlike in other countries, the age at which we can consume alcohol and the age at which we can buy alcohol is the same in Spain. So what’s the legal drinking age?
You can purchase alcohol as long as you’re over 18 years old. You can also consume alcoholic beverages in Spain as an eighteen year old in public spaces. Are there exceptions to this rule? Sure.
Can you drink with your parents at 16 years old?
If you’re not in a family struggling with alcoholic consumption and simply want to enjoy a Rioja 890 Gran Reserva with your parents in a restaurant, with everyone included on board, we have two pieces of info. Firstly, yes, you can have a drink in this situation with your elders with you. Secondly, this applies to beer, wine and cider only. Alcoholic beverages above 23% are prohibited for individuals below 18 years old, even when accompanied by parents.
Can I drink at home without being 18 years old in Spain?
Yes, you can drink in your flat if you are under 18. Interestingly, the restriction only applies to public places. It is only up to parents to decide whether their child can drink or not.
How old do I have to be to drink alcohol in Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Mallorca or Tenerife?
The law restricting the sale and public consumption of alcohol to under-18s applies to all Spain, and so you have the same legal drinking age everywhere.
Can you try alcohol in Spain without being 18?
Basically, yes. As long as you’re with your parents and the tour or the restaurant does not clearly prohibit this in its rules. If they don’t allow it, you really, really shouldn’t.
The fine for restaurants/facilities that break the rules for selling alcohol ranges from €30,000 to as much as €600,000. And yes, a blind eye is turned quite often, as the attitudes in bars and clubs are relatively liberal as long as you don’t go overboard. Remember that if you are already 18 and want to buy alcohol, you will not be able to do so in a shop after 10pm, as that’s an additional law that tries to limit the impact of late-night parties in Spain.
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