Drinking age in Spain

[ryder]

Does anyone know what the legal drinking age in Spain is? I've heard 21, 18, 16, even 14! I'm asking on behalf of a younger cousin who will be going abroad this winter for a few weeks.

[joe]

Hey ryder,

Sounds like your cousin should be okay, as the legal drinking age in Spain is 18, according to wikipedia. The probable reason there seems to be so much confusion about the actual age is because drinking laws in Spain are not handled the same as they are in the States. It's much more relaxed, and I've heard certain regions of Spain lowered their age to 16. I would assume that even if your cousin was not 18, he would not meet much resistance, so long as he isn't out there causing a scene. That could possibly cause them to make an exception ;)

so the drinking age is 18 or 16 in madrid where me and my boyfriend are planning to go this fall
heather

[joe]

It's technically 18, but the enforcement is sparse. If you're under 18, they'll likely not care. Until you start making an ass of yourself, at which point they might exclusively enforce the law on you (and/or your bf). Just drink responsibly and pay for your drinks and everyone will have a great time.

[greeny89]

Hey! i'm going to tenerife in July 07! i will be 17 wen i go, will i have any trouble getting served out there if the age limit is 18???? chris

[joe]

As stated above, unless you're being obnoxious you should be okay. If one place won't serve you, respect their decision and know that it probably won't be too hard to find another that will. Just be responsible and respectful. Of course this is all assuming you don't look like you're 12 years old. Maybe you'll want to stop shaving for a few months beforehand ;)

[everyann]

I highly doubt that anyone will card you. I recently went to Spain and was the youngest of the crew. While I'm in my early 20s, I certainly don't look it, as I get carded all the time in the states. So I can tell you from experience that most restaurants or bars will proabaly just give you what you order. But do keep in mind what Joe said, I can only speak about going around Barcelona...

Hope you have a great trip!

[greeny89]

Thanks for your advice to joe and everyann! all ive got 2 do is stay reletively un-paraletic and ill be fine! thank you very much, here's to trip of a life time! :D

[libby]

i am going to barcelona in a few weeks, wondering what places youwould recommend to visit that are not to tight with ID?

[nieves22]

Hola, this is nieves22 from Barcelona.

Here in Spain, they don't obligate you to show your ID card, it's not like in USA.
So don't worry about that!

In Barcelona. I like Jamboree, it's in Plaza Reial, near Ramblas.

Have a good trip!