It is illegal to give alcohol to a child under five years old in any circumstances excepting on the orders of a doctor.
It is legal for children over the age of five to drink alcohol on private premises, such as in the home.
Children under the age of fourteen years are not allowed in a bar during opening hours unless the bar has been granted a childrens' certificate. Children under fourteen are allowed in other parts of licensed premises at the discretion of the licensee.
Young people between the ages of fourteen and seventeen may be in a bar during opening hours but may not buy, be bought or drink alcohol on the premises.
Young people sixteen and seventeen years of age may buy or be bought certain drinks in licensed premises but only in a seperate eating area and only for consumption with a meal. The permitted drinks in England and Wales are beer, cider and perry. In Scotland, they may also purchase and consume wine with the meal.
It is illegal for any person under eighteen years of age to buy any alcohol from an off licence.
