From today, April 1, Danish teens under the age of 18 will face new restrictions on alcohol purchases. According to the new law, individuals aged 16 to 17 will only be allowed to buy alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of up to 6%. The regulation, which officially came into force on April 1, aims to curb the consumption of strong alcohol among youth and is part of the Danish Government‘s broader prevention plan adopted in 2023.
Previously, minors were permitted to purchase drinks with up to 16.5% alcohol content, including products such as fortified wines and spirits-based beverages. The updated limit effectively restricts purchases to low-alcohol options like beer and “breezers,” pre-mixed beverages with modest alcohol content.
Part of a national prevention strategy
The new law is a cornerstone of Denmark’s government-backed prevention strategy to reduce alcohol and nicotine use among children and adolescents. The Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) confirmed the change in a press release and emphasized that the regulation applies not only to physical shops but also to online retailers.
Restaurants and cafés are still entirely prohibited from selling any form of alcohol to people under 18.
Retailers face hefty fines for violations
To ensure compliance, shops must clearly display the updated age restrictions. A first-time violation by a retailer could result in a fine of 50,000 Danish kroner (approx. €6,700). This significant penalty underscores the seriousness of the government’s commitment to reducing youth drinking.
Experts call for even stricter measures
While the new rules mark a substantial change, some public health experts argue they do not go far enough. Janne S. Tolstrup, a professor at the National Institute of Public Health (Statens Institut for Folkesundhed), voiced her concerns:
“I would have preferred a single age limit of 18 for all alcohol sales. I don’t think the new rules alone are sufficient to address the problem of youth drinking. It’s a cultural issue, and changing that takes time.”
A recent study by Statens Institut for Folkesundhed, titled “§ Alkohol” (Paragraf Alkohol), reveals that 27% of 15-year-olds are now asked for ID when purchasing alcohol in supermarkets, up from just 16% in 2022—a potential sign of growing awareness among retailers.
Alcohol culture among youth still under scrutiny
Despite these regulatory efforts, Denmark continues to face challenges with youth alcohol consumption. The country has one of the highest rates of teenage drinking in Europe, and surveys have consistently shown that Danish teens start drinking at a younger age compared to their peers in neighboring countries.
The updated law represents a step toward cultural change, but whether it will be enough remains to be seen. Authorities hope that stricter rules, combined with educational initiatives and parental involvement, will help reshape Denmark’s relationship with alcohol for future generations.
