One would think that what with non-alcoholic wine and beer being, well, non-alcoholic, there would be no problem, wherever you were, of an underage person having an NA tipple. But the minuscule amounts of alcohol that can be present in non-alcoholic wine and beer complicate the question can underage drinkers purchase and consume non-alcoholic wine and beer. Plus, the situation varies depending where in the world you are.
Let’s explore the legal situations for underage drinkers in various countries.
United States
In the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, which applies to alcoholic beverages. However, the regulations regarding non-alcoholic beer and wine vary by state. In some states, such as Texas and Michigan, it is legal for individuals under the drinking age to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beverages. Other states, such as California, require individuals to be at least 18 years old to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beer and wine.
Canada
In Canada, the legal drinking age varies by province. Generally, the legal drinking age is 19, except in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, where it is 18. Regarding non-alcoholic beer and wine, the rules are similar to those for alcoholic beverages. If the legal drinking age is 19, then individuals under that age are not permitted to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine. It is important to note that these regulations may vary slightly within each province, so it is advisable to consult the specific legislation in the respective region.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the legal drinking age is 18 for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Therefore, individuals under the age of 18 are not legally allowed to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine.
Australia
Australia follows a similar pattern for underage drinkers to the United Kingdom. The legal drinking age is 18. So individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine. It is essential to adhere to the local legislation, as different states within Australia may have variations in their regulations.
Germany
In Germany, the legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16. For spirits and other alcoholic beverages, it’s 18. Non-alcoholic beer and wine fall under the same regulations. Consequently, individuals who are 16 years old or above are allowed to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beer and wine in Germany.
France
France has a legal drinking age of 18, which applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Therefore, individuals under the age of 18 are not legally permitted to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine in France.
Japan
In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20, and this applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Therefore, individuals under the age of 20 are not allowed to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine in Japan.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, the legal drinking age is 18. However, when it comes to non-alcoholic wine and beer, the regulations differ. The Alcohol Reform Act 2012 states that non-alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of not more than 1.15% are not considered “liquor” under the law. Consequently, individuals under the age of 18 are legally allowed to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beer and wine. It’s important to note that beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 1.15% are subject to the legal drinking age of 18.
Brazil
In Brazil, the legal drinking age is 18, and this applies to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The legal framework treats non-alcoholic beer and wine in the same manner as alcoholic beverages. Therefore, individuals under the age of 18 are considered underage drinkers and are not permitted to purchase or consume non-alcoholic beer and wine in Brazil.
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The regulations surrounding the purchase and consumption of non-alcoholic wine and beer by underage individuals vary from country to country. While some allow underage individuals to purchase and consume non-alcoholic beverages, others maintain stricter regulations. 
Image credit: Devin Avery