Are You Legal? What Is The Drinking Age In Greece?

Are you visiting Greece and wondering if you are of legal drinking age? As a local ex-pat, living in Athens, I can answer more than the question about what age you can drink!

In this blog post, I will provide information about the minimum legal drinking age in Greece for the mainland and the Greek Islands.

As well as a peek into the drinking culture and popular drinks to try in Greece.

What’s the age limit for alcohol consumption in Greece?

How old do you need to be to consume alcohol in Athens? In Greece, the legal drinking age is 18. But never once have I seen anyone been asked to prove it 😉

When you are in areas with high tourism, checking IDs just doesn’t seem to be a priority.

Now if you were in more rural areas of Greece it may be more strictly enforced.

How does the drinking age in Greece compare to that of the U.S.?

Greece and the U.S. have different rules when it comes to drinking alcohol, and a lot of that comes from their histories and cultures.

Since the prohibition days, the US had a drinking age of 21. Then in the years between 1970 and 1975 29 states lowered the MLDA to 18, 19, or 20. Then by the year 1984, it was legally amended to 21 years old nationwide.

In Greece, young adults can start drinking alcohol at 18. It’s also common in Greece for families to have wine at gatherings, and sometimes allow their kids to have a little under their parents’ supervision.

In the United States, it’s more straightforward. You have to be 21 to drink, no matter which state you’re in.

This rule was set mostly because of health reasons, especially concerns about young people’s brains and how alcohol might affect them.

Which Nation Holds the Record for the Youngest Legal Drinking Age?

The drinking age varies significantly across the globe, shaped by the intricate interplay of culture, tradition, and legislative measures.

A common question that often arises is, which country has set the bar lowest when it comes to the minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption?

While many European countries, like Greece, have established regulations where young adults can consume alcoholic drinks at 18, some nations go even further.

Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, and a few others have no established legal minimum drinking age. In these regions, the consumption of alcoholic beverages intertwines deeply with local customs, family gatherings, and sometimes even rituals.

What is the legal drinking age in the UK?

When I was looking into the United Kingdom, the legal drinking age was a bit complex. I found it varies depending on the specific situation:

Purchase of Alcohol:

• England, Wales, and Scotland: An individual must be 18 years of age or older to buy alcohol in a pub or a shop.
• Northern Ireland: The age is also 18 for purchasing alcohol.

Consumption in Pubs or Licensed Premises:

• The general rule is if you are under 18, you cannot buy or drink alcohol in public places in the UK.
• A few exceptions to note in England and Wales: for instance, people aged 16 or 17 can drink beer, wine, or cider with a meal if it’s bought by an adult and they are accompanied by an adult. Now don’t try to get away with this in Northern Ireland or Scotland, it isn’t allowed.

Consumption at Home or Private Premises:

• England and Wales: There is no legal age limit for drinking alcohol at home or on other private premises. However, it is illegal to give alcohol to anyone under the age of five.
• Scotland: It’s illegal for someone under 18 to drink alcohol in a public place in Scotland, but there’s no legal age limit for drinking alcohol in a private place.
• Northern Ireland: Similar to Scotland, it’s illegal for someone under 18 to drink alcohol in public. There is no specified legal age limit for drinking alcohol in a private setting.

Buying Alcohol for Minors:

• It’s illegal to buy alcohol for someone under 18 in any part of the UK, with the exception of 16 or 17-year-olds drinking wine, beer, or cider with a meal in England and Wales as mentioned above.

Carrying Alcohol:

• In Scotland, there’s a law that prohibits people under the age of 18 from carrying alcohol unless they’re working or it’s in a sealed container.

Keep in mind that while these are the national laws, local by-laws can impose further restrictions. It’s always a good idea to be familiar with local regulations if you’re unsure.

Is 18 the youngest age legal age for drinking in Europe?

No, the youngest age appears to be 14, but only the presence of a legal guardian, in private residences.

In several European countries, the regulations around alcohol purchase and consumption vary based on the type and strength of the drink.

Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, for instance, allow individuals as young as 16 to buy beverages that have less than 1.2% distilled alcohol.

However, for stronger drinks containing more than 1.2% distilled alcohol, the age limit jumps to 18. On the other hand, Sweden is stricter, only allowing those 20 years or older to buy drinks with an alcohol content above 3.5%.

Interestingly, in Germany, while the age restriction is in place for purchasing, youngsters between 14 and 16 can consume beer and wine, but only if they’re with a legal guardian or have their permission.

At what age is it permissible to buy alcohol in Greece?

If you want to buy alcohol in a store or at a restaurant, the age limit is 18. It may be more strictly enforced in stores than while out at a restaurant or bar.

Does Greece enforce its drinking age strictly?

The short answer is no, unless appear intoxicated, I don’t find the drink age enforced. In Greece, alcohol and social drinking are big parts of the traditional Greek way of life.

From a glass of wine at family gatherings to hard liquor in local taverns, the role of alcohol is prominent.

Yet, Greek law sets guidelines on the official legal drinking age to be 18.

While it’s common to see young travelers enjoying the local cuisine with a drink, the enforcement of age requirements largely depends on the region.

It has been my experience that in popular tourist spots, for instance, the rules might be more relaxed.

However, the Greek police in certain areas, especially those less frequented by tourists, may enforce the legal age more strictly, especially in public places.

Is it allowed to roam around with an alcoholic beverage in hand?

No. It is not legal to walk around with beer or wine in hand. Especially, if you are in the capital city of Athens. There is a large police presence ready to make you throw it away.

The last thing you want to do when in a foreign country is be told you are in trouble by the police. So don’t risk it.

What’s the minimum age requirement to enter nightclubs in Greece? Is it possible at 17?

The legal age to enter a club in Greece is 18. While a 17-year-old might occasionally be able to enter some nightclubs, they technically shouldn’t be allowed, especially in establishments that are strict about age restrictions.

If you’re planning a trip or a night out in Greece and you or someone in your group is under 18, it’s a good idea to check with individual venues in advance or be prepared for the possibility of not being allowed entry.

Always have a valid ID on hand, in case you are asked for it to verify age.

Do nightclubs in Greece typically ask for identification?

Personally, I have not seen identification being asked for on a routine basis. I would say that if you look especially young you could be asked to show ID.

Is alcohol consumption widespread among Greeks?

Alcohol is part of the Greek culture but on a casual basis. But binge drinking isn’t the norm with locals in Greece.

For example, it would not be common to see heavy drinking and public displays of drunkenness in Greek establishments frequented by locals.

Most Popular Greek Liquors

Greek culture is rich with a variety of traditional liquors and spirits. Here are some of the most popular Greek liquors:

1. Ouzo: Chances are you have heard of Ouzo, arguably the most famous Greek spirit. In the bottle, ouzo is clear but it turns milky white when water or ice is added. This anise-flavored aperitif is typically enjoyed with a small plate of meze.
2. Tsipouro: Looking for something like Grappa? This strong distilled spirit is made from the must-residue of the wine press. I’ve read that some versions of tsipouro include anise.
3. Metaxa: A blend of brandy and wine made from sun-dried grapes, it’s then flavored with herbs and floral extracts. Metaxa comes in different “star” ratings which indicate its age.
4. Raki or Tsikoudia: Originating from Crete, it’s very similar to tsipouro but is distilled from the residues of grapes after wine has been made. It’s traditionally consumed after a meal.
5. Mastiha: A unique liquor made from the resin of the mastic tree found on the island of Chios. Mastiha has a sweet, pine-like taste and can be drunk neat or used as a base in cocktails.
6. Tentura: A cinnamon-flavored liqueur from Patras. It’s deep red in color due to the spices and is often consumed as a digestive.
7. Kitron: I tried Kitron when I was on a bus tour in Naxos. It is a citrus liqueur exclusively from the island of Naxos. This liquor is made from the leaves and fruit of the citron tree.
8. Retsina: While it’s technically a type of wine, Retsina deserves a mention. It’s a white or rosé wine that has been made with the addition of pine resin, giving it a distinctive taste.

The most popular beers in Greece

Since we covered the most famous Greek liquor, I felt like the Greek beer had a place to be mentioned. While the beer scene doesn’t have a strong following like in other places such as Dublin, there are some refreshing beers to mention.

If you can’t stand the idea of drinking spirits like Ouzo or wine like Retsina, try a beer!

The local beer market has evolved, thanks to both local and imported brands. The beer industry has witnessed an influx of craft beers and local breweries. Athenian Brewery and Hellenic Breweries are the largest distributors.

Meanwhile, Greek beer brands in the USA have begun gaining traction, beers like Mythos and Alfa are found most often.

The price is certainly right when it comes to beer in Greece. Often you can find it for a few euros, especially in a store.

List of Popular Beers in Greece:

1. Mythos
2. Mamos Beer
3. Alfa
4. Vergina
5. Fix Beer
6. Eza

Conclusion: On the legal drinking age in Greece

Bottom line, the legal drinking age is 18. But chances are no one is going to confirm your age in a bar or a restaurant.