What is the Legal Drinking Age for Spain? (2024)
What‘s the drinking age in Spain? Read this guide to everything you need to know about Spanish drinking laws!
If you’re a young person studying abroad in Spain or a family with teenagers interested in the legal drinking age for Spain, you’re in the right place!
I lived and taught English in a small town in Spain. I was absolutely shocked to see my high school students drinking in public! That said, drinking culture in Spain and the legal drinking age are two very different things.
What that experience underscores is that Spain’s drinking age limit and laws—not to mention, culture—vary significantly from the United States. Therefore, it’s important to understand the rules and norms around drinking in Spain before you visit.
In this article, we’ll dive into the legal drinking age in Spain along with drinking laws in Spain you need to know.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for educational purposes only. New laws and regulations may be in effect before we can update this post. We give no guarantee that the information below is 100% accurate.
What is the Legal Drinking Age for Spain?
In Spain, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. This is the minimum age to buy or consume alcohol in Spain.
This includes buying or consuming alcoholic beverages in bars, clubs, restaurants, as well as stores.
The legal drinking age applies to all regions in Spain. To clarify, no matter which part of Spain you visit—Barcelona, Madrid, and so on—age 18 is the minimum legal drinking age.
Note that this law has changed. Prior to the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, the drinking age limit in Spain was 16. However, local governing authorities sought this change to curb excessive underage drinking.
Studies around the time showed that 75% of teens had consumed alcohol before adulthood, most of whom started drinking at 13-14 years old. 6 out of 10 young people had already gotten drunk before age 18 (Source: Spanish Ministry of Health).
Still, some argue age 18 is too young. They propose that the age for drinking in Spain be raised to 21 y/o. But, today the legal age to drink alcohol remains 18 all across Spain.
Legal Drinking Age Versus Drinking Culture in Spain
Spaniards have a relatively relaxed attitude towards alcohol, which may give tourists the impression that the age limit for drinking is younger than it actually is. Not true—Spain has a legal drinking age of 18.
The fact that alcohol is ingrained in the cultural and social fabric of Spain must be related to the fact that Spain produces some of the best wines in the world. The famous Rioja region has about 600 wineries alone. Spain also makes sparkling cava and many locally-produced beers.
Not only is alcohol plentiful in Spain, but it’s also incredibly affordable. Just look at the menu, and you’ll see local wine and beer is often cheaper than soda—or even a bottle of water!
Yes, drinking is a big part of Spanish cultural and social norms. Go just about anywhere in Spain, and you’ll see locals gathered together, slowly enjoying wine or beer on the terrace of a cafetería. Or in public spaces such as parks, special events, or sporting arenas.
Additionally, Spain is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Ibiza. After a late dinner, young Spaniards hit the clubs around midnight and often keep going until 7 am!
Young people, in particular, enjoy participating in what’s known as a botellón. Translating to “big bottle” in English, a botellón is when young people bring and share alcohol in a public space. Although technically illegal in cities like Madrid, botellóns are a popular way to enjoy each other’s company while spending little money on alcohol when compared to going to bars or clubs.
Note that participating in a botellón can carry a hefty fine of approximately €600. (Regulations regarding drinking in public in Spain vary by region, though.)
What’s the Difference Between Spanish and U.S. Drinking Age?
It’s important to be aware that regulations concerning alcohol purchase and consumption in Spain are distinct from those in the US.
Therefore, Americans should learn the statutes and restrictions of Spain prior to consuming any alcoholic beverages, regardless of age.
In Spain, you can drink when you are 18 years old. However, in the United States, you have to be 21.
In both countries, there are laws that restrict the selling of alcohol to minors at stores, serving alcohol to underage persons, buying alcohol for minors, hosting underage teens at private parties where alcohol is served, and advertising to minors. (This list is not exhaustive.)
In Spain, the laws vary per autonomous community. But, they have all raised their minimum age for drinking to 18.
In the US, laws vary by state, with some states being more strict than others.
In both Spain and the United States, you must present your ID card if asked. It’s generally more common to get carded in the United States than in Spain, perhaps because the legal drinking age is higher.
Legal Consequences for Breaking Drinking Laws in Spain
In this section, we’ll review some of the consequences of breaking common Spanish drinking laws. (Note: These are general assumptions based on the most up-to-date information provided online.)
Consequences for Underage Drinking in Spain
The primary liability for underage drinking in Spain falls on those providing or allowing minors to consume alcohol, including parents and guardians. Depending on the severity of the infraction, penalties can range from an initial warning to community service, fines of 601€ minimum, or other educational programs.
Fines for Establishments Selling or Serving Alcohol to Minors
According to the drinking law in Spain, selling or serving alcohol to those under the age of 18 will be fined. The maximum penalty is reserved for businesses (nightclubs, supermarkets, stores, etc.) where the onus is on the businesses to follow the law. The minimum penalty for establishments is 30,000€ and a maximum penalty of 600,000€.
Drunk Driving in Spain
Spain maintains stringent regulations concerning drunk driving, and for good reason. There is absolutely no situation in which you should drink and drive, ever.
The Guardia Civil, Spain’s traffic authority, will give breathalyzer tests for suspected alcohol or drug impairment. If found driving under the influence, you may incur fines up to 1000€, license suspension for 1-4 years, or community service. Serious infractions may even lead to jail time.
Are there any exceptions to the legal drinking age in Spain?
No, there are no exceptions to the legal drinking age of Spain. The legal drinking age for Spaniards is 18.
Can Minors Drink Alcohol at Home in Spain?
No, minors cannot technically drink at home in Spain since the legal drinking age is 18. Adults who supply or purchase alcoholic beverages for minors will be held responsible under the law.
That being said, many Spaniards believe it’s the role of the family to teach young adults a responsible relationship (just like in the United States). Don’t be surprised if parents allow their kids to have a taste at home.
What is The Age to Drink in Spain With Parents?
The legal drinking age in Spain is 18, which also applies to families. There are no exceptions that allow minors to consume alcohol in the presence of their parents or legal guardians.
Spain Drinking Age FAQ’s
Can I drink beer under 18 in Spain?
No, the legal drinking age of Spain is 18. It is illegal to buy and consume any alcohol under the age of 18, regardless of the type (beer, wine, spirits, etc.).
Is wine allowed in Spain under the legal drinking age?
No, you cannot buy or drink wine in Spain if you are under 18 years old.
Can alcohol be bought at shops and supermarkets in Spain?
Yes, alcohol is available for purchase at shops and supermarkets in Spain, including beer, wine, and spirits. Shops and supermarkets require a license to sell alcohol, and there are restrictions placed on the type of alcohol that can be sold at each location. There are also restrictions on the time at which alcohol can be sold in each region. Alcohol is typically sold from opening to 10 pm.
Can I purchase alcohol in a store in Spain if I am under 18?
No, it’s not legal to purchase alcohol in a store in Spain if you are under 18. Shops are required to ask for ID if they think you’re underage. Keep your ID with you.
Do bars in Spain ID?
Yes, bars (as well as shops, supermarkets, restaurants, special events, etc.) in Spain do ID. This is especially the case if there’s any question about the patron’s age. Some acceptable forms of identification are a national identity card (DNI), a driver’s license, or a passport.
How old do you have to be to go clubbing in Spain?
To go clubbing in Spain, you must be at least 18 years old. Most clubs and bars strictly enforce this age requirement. You must show a valid ID to enter the premises.
How does Spain compare to other countries’ legal drinking age?
Spain’s regulations on the legal drinking age (18) are in line with most of the European Union (and the world). However, some EU countries allow 16-year olds to drink beer or wine only. In the United States and a handful of other countries, the legal drinking age is 21.
What is the legal age to drink in Barcelona?
The legal age to drink in Barcelona is the same as in the rest of Spain (18 years old).
What is the legal age to drink in Madrid?
The drinking age in Madrid is the same as in the rest of Spain: 18.
Can I drink alcohol in public areas in Spain?
No, openly drinking alcohol in public areas is generally not allowed in Spain. This includes streets and other public areas. Terraces, outdoor seating areas, and other leisure spaces authorized for such purposes are the exceptions.
What are some non-alcoholic drinks in Spain?
Spain has lots of choices when it comes to refreshing non-alcoholic drinks. You can easily find soda, juice, and water (including free tap water, which is safe to consume in Spain). Non-alcoholic beer is also available at many bars and restaurants, and mocktails are becoming more popular in hot spots like Madrid.
Are there any other regulations in Spain when it comes to underage drinking?
Like the rest of the EU, Spain has regulations concerning the advertising of alcoholic beverages. Aiming to prevent content targeting minors or encouraging excessive drinking, regulations have been placed on where (television, cinemas, sporting events, etc.), when, and what type of strength of alcohol can be advertised.
Conclusion: What is the Drinking Age in Spain?
Now that you’ve learned about Spain’s drinking age and drinking culture, you can safely and responsibly enjoy a few glasses of vino (or not, if you’re not 18!) Cheers!
