Buying alcohol

Tray of drinksThe law

There are strict laws governing alcohol consumption in the UK. It is against the law:

  • to be drunk in charge of a child under seven in a public place or on licensed premises
  • to sell alcohol to someone under 18, anywhere
  • for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18
  • for someone under 18 to buy alcohol, attempt to buy alcohol or to be sold alcohol in any circumstances (unless acting at the request of the police or a weights and measures inspector)
  • for someone under 18 to drink alcohol in licensed premises, with one exception - 16 and 17 year olds accompanied by an adult can drink but not buy beer, wine and cider with a table meal
  • for an adult to buy alcohol for a person under 18 for consumption on licensed premises, except as above.

Find out more about alcohol, young people and the law.

Kent Community Alcohol Partnership

Kent Community Alcohol Partnership (KCAP) is a partnership between Kent County Council, Kent Police, the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG), district councils and health authorities.

The partnership is changing attitudes to drinking by:

  • advising young people on sensible drinking
  • supporting retailers to reduce sales of alcohol to underage drinkers
  • promoting responsible socialising
  • empowering local communities to tackle alcohol related issues

Advice

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Contact us

Kent Trading Standards
Kent County Council
Invicta House
County Hall
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XQ

TelephoneConsumer advice 08454 04 05 06

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