The Law

It is a criminal offence for you to buy or try to buy alcohol if you are under 18, or to buy it for someone under 18. These are some of the things the police can do if you're caught.

Person under 18 buying or attempting to buy alcoholic drinks illegally.

Police can demand an on-the-spot £80 fine. They can also confiscate alcoholic drinks from under-18s drinking in a public place and contact their parents.

Someone aged 18 or over who buys alcohol to give to someone under 18.

Police can demand an on-the-spot £80 fine. The maximum fine is £5,000.

Adult working in a pub or shop who sells alcohol to someone who is under 18.

Fined £80 on-the-spot the first time. If they offend again, they may have to go to court where they can be fined up to £5,000 and may have their alcohol licence taken away.

Think you are drinking to much? Or maybe you think a friend is? Take this quick questionnaire and find out.