Health
Addiction representative: Alcohol is prohibited from the age of 14, even with parents
“We have a big problem with alcohol consumption,” says the federal government’s addiction commissioner, Burkhard Blienert. photo
© Silas Stein/dpa
The federal government’s addiction and drug commissioner is calling for a stricter age limit for alcohol consumption. Does Burkhard Blienert’s demand find political support?
According to the Federal Government’s Addiction and Drug Commissioner, young people aged 14 and over should: Burkhard Blienert is not allowed to drink alcohol in public, even when accompanied by her parents.
“When children and young people sit next to their parents, the effect of alcohol is and remains the same and catastrophic at this age,” said SPD politician Ippen Media. “But we also need the political will to change this regulation.”
In Germany, the consumption of alcohol in public is permitted from the age of 14, if the father or mother is present. “This regulation is unique in Europe,” said Blienert. “This reflects the anachronistic perception that we don’t have an alcohol problem in Germany. But we do have a big problem with alcohol consumption.” Blienert spoke out in favor of a uniform age limit of 18 for all addictive substances. “This is also the recommendation that many doctors support.”