Drinking age in Spain -

Drinking age in Spain - Drinking age in Spain -

The drinking age differs from country to country and it when planning a trip to Spain it is important to understand what can and cannot be done. This becomes especially important in a country like Spain where the legal drinking age in Spain and the drinking culture in the country are two very different things. So, if you are planning on traveling to Spain and enjoying the amazing bar and drinking culture that the country enjoys, it’s good to understand the ins and outs and avoid getting in trouble. In this post, we are going to cover the drinking age in Spain so you can plan your trip with no surprises. You can also find more interesting tips to travel to Spain in our dedicated section.

Spain has clear laws on this subject and a quick look at official statistics would show that teenagers start to drink alcohol at about 13 or 14 years of age. Culturally, the drinking age seems to be much more permissive than actual laws.

Spain is one of the best places on earth to go and enjoy a cold drink. The country is famous for its bars, taverns, and Terrazas and enjoys countless festivals that make underage drinking very common but still frowned upon.

For a long time, the drinking age in Spain was 16, then it changed in some regions to 18 but today and since 2009 THE DRINKING AGE IN SPAIN IS 18 IN ALL REGIONS. This change in law happened after a rash of incidents involving underage drinking. Despite some proposals that have been made to increase the legal drinking age to 21, it remains unchanged to 18, which some people argue is still pretty young. It is important to mention at this stage that European Union is concerned about the practice of binge drinking and that regulations in member countries such as Spain follow the debate at Europen Union on this topic.

The drinking age in Barcelona or in Madrid is the same as in the rest of Spain: 18.

Lets go over different situation you might find when purchasing alcohol:

Shops and supermarkets require a license to sell alcohol but they can do it with no problem once this license is in place.

However, alcohol cannot be sold after 22:00.

In the case of petrol stations they should not be allowed to sell alcohol with more than 20 degrees of alcohol.

Ok, so as we have just described, if you want to stroll over to your local shop and pick up a bottle of your favorite spirit, you will have to do so before 10pm. But you will need to be over 18 to buy alcohol in Spain (some people, even locals, believe they can buy at 16) . Shops are required to ask for ID if they believe you might be under age, and they are rather strict about it, so make sure that you have a valid ID on you.

Also, if you try purchasing alcohol at a store after 10pm in Spain you are going to be turned away. Selling alcohol after 10pm is illegal in Spain. It is possible to find shops that will sell you alcohol after 10, but this is 100% illegal and if you are caught you will be fined.

Some studies from the Spanish OCU (consumers organization) large cities in Spain it is common to find shops and supermarkets that will sell alcohol to under 18s. In some cases, some shops were also found to sell alcohol late into the night but always at a greater price, and before they do so they will check to make sure the coast is clear.

To be clear, according to Spanish law, selling or serving alcohol to minors under the age of 18 will be fined with a minimum penalty of 30,000 Euros and a maximum penalty of 600,000 Euro, but this loophole is commonly exploited.

Tweet

Spain is home to some of the most amazing restaurants, bars and taverns you will find. Spain’s is known around the world for its terraces and tapas bars and its an intrinsic part of life in Spain. It is how Spaniards socialize. Sharing a cold drink and a bite to eat with friends is as Spanish as it gets.

When it comes to drinking at restaurants and bars, as long as you are supervised by older people, waiters will serve underage people without question. You might have to have them order for you, but, as long as you don’t over do it and put the establishment at risk of getting fined, you should be good to go.

To be clear, according to Spanish law, selling or serving alcohol to minors under the age of 18 will be fined with a minimum penalty of 30,000 Euros and a maximum penalty of 600,000 Euro, but this loophole is commonly exploited.

Drinking alcohol in the streets is forbidden in Spain and you could get fined. Fines range from 500€ for under minors or above 600€ for people above 18.

These regulations are local and regional and may vary from region to region. We strongly recommend avoiding drinking alcohol in any public area.

There is no situation in which you should drink and drive. Period. The legal limit is 250 microgrammes of alcohol per litre for a breathalyzer test and 0,5 grams per litre in your bloodstream if you were required to do a blood test. If you have been driving for 2 years or less, the amount permitted in a breathalyzer test is 150 microgrammes of alcohol per litre of breath.

So, there you have it. If you are planning on visiting Spain and experience the countries rich drinking tradition, spectacular local festivals and bar culture make sure you do so responsibly and stay out of trouble.

Spain has a similar regulation to most countries in the European Union where drinking is permitted at 18 (this is shared practice in the vast majority of countries around the world). Germany, Belgium, Denmark, and Austria are an exception in Europe, with below 18s being allowed to drink beer and wine but not spirits. This reality differs from the United States where the drinking age is 21 (this is the case in some 11 countries worldwide). Muslim countries do not permit alcohol consumption and some countries

More information to prepare your trip to Spain

In these articles, you will find more interesting information to prepare for your trip to Spain. Enjoy your reading!

Tips travel

A Guide To Tipping In Spain

it isn’t customary to tip in Spain. Service staff usually don’t depend on tips to make ends meet in Spain. HOWEVER if you enjoy good service and you want to tip this is not frowned upon. The following article will give you a good idea of the customary amounts that are tipped by type of service, but of course feel free to do as you please. Tipping in Spain is question you should put yourself in view of the service you have received and not on a compulsary reality. Making someone’s day is never a bad idea! … Read More

Tips travel

Ave train Spain map

The AVE is Spain’s super-comfortable, high-end high speed railway system. Most of the peninsula is connected by these trains and its the easiest and quickest way of getting around in Spain. Now AVE is even coming out with a low cost service so everyone can enjoy the high-speed life style. Find out more below, including a the Ave train Spain map (with AVE and AVLO connections) that you need to plan your trip. … Read More

People visiting la Boqueria market in Barcelona

Tips travel

Plan your trip to Spain – Tips, Guides & offers

Spanish culture is complex, dynamic and rich. As in many countries in the world, globalisation has introduced many changes to daily routines and even to what people believe is right or wrong. Nevertheless, there are many things which are clearly “Spanish” As in many other places in the world, Spanish culture is today best enjoyed and perceived away from the larger cities … Read More

Tips travel

Maps of Spain

a selection of Maps in Spain to illustrate the country´s reach diversity. Perfect maps of Spain to plan your holidays … Read More

Tips travel

Driving In Spain

Discover Spain by car! Driving in Spain can be a real joy if you know all the ins and outs, and that is why we created this guide to driving in Spain. … Read More

Tips travel

What to buy in Spain – Best gifts and ideas per region

If you are what to buy in Spain to give a loved one this holiday season, you are in the right place. Here you will find the best, most original, and truly Spanish gifts that will transport you back to the Iberian peninsula every time you see them.

Our expert local guides have chosen authentic Spanish gifts that aren’t just kitschy, stereotypical souvenirs, that other sites try to pass for “authentic”. We have chosen authentic gifts from each autonomous community, so no one gets left out. Let’s get into it. … Read More

Drinking Age In Spain