Alcohol and The Law
The law states that it is illegal to give alcohol to a child under 5, except for medical purposes. However this is only allowed in your own home.
Under 14 - You’re allowed in a bar if a Children’s Certificate is displayed. You cannot buy or drink alcohol.
(14 - 16) - You may be allowed on licensed premises but you cannot buy or drink alcohol.
(16 - 18) - You can buy beer, wine or cider with a meal if you are in an area that is used only for restaurant purposes.
(18+) - You can buy alcohol but the license holder can refuse to serve anyone.
It is considered an offence for an adult to buy alcohol for someone under the age of 18. Many Local authorities have bylaws which forbid the consumption of alcohol in public places, so no bottle of wine down the park! Police do have the power to confiscate alcohol from those under the legal drinking age (18). The legal drinking age is 18 for a reason. Younger bodies and smaller and not fully developed this means the get drunk quicker. It also means that the liver can’t cope with getting rid of the alcohol and is damaged more easily as a result.
Drink Driving
Not the best idea! If you drink and drive you are disqualified for at least a year. You also run the risk of a £5000 fine and six months in prison. An endorsement for a drink driving offence stays on your licence for 11yrs, and remains on your criminal record for 20 yrs.
What is your limit?
You are considered over the limit if you have 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath. It is virtually impossible to tell how much drink it will take for you to reach this limit as it is different for each person. But for an average sized man, 2 pints of 4% beer is unlikely to take them above the limit.
However drinking and driving is never a good idea even if it’s below the limit. When you consume alcohol even a small amount it effects your judgement and ability to concentrate which makes you much more likely to cause an accident. So play it safe and if you are driving stick with the soft drinks and stay off the booze.
Be Careful who you take a lift from……
If you are getting a lift off someone and you expect that they have been drinking then do the sensible thing and say, thanks but no thanks! It would be much better paying for a taxi an ensuring your safety. It is your responsibility to say no. They have made the decision to drink drive and if caught they will pay but if they cause an accident you could end up hurt or worse…dead! All because you didn’t say no.