What Is The Legal Age Of Drinking Alcohol In World’s 20 Most Powerful Countries?
Each countries have its legal drinking age. These age limits are shaped by each nation’s public health priorities, cultural values and efforts to protect young adults from alcohol-related harms. Here is the list of the world’s 20 most powerful countries and the legal age of drinking alcohol there.
The Daily Jagran
By Aditi Priya Singh
July 21, 2025
Legal Drinking Age In 20 Powerful Countries: Every year on July 21, the world celebrates Legal Drinking Age Day, a day to talk about and understand the reasons behind the differing minimum ages that different nations set for alcohol consumption. These guidelines should be reviewed in 2025, particularly in the world’s most developed economies. Laws governing the legal drinking age act as safeguards, striking a balance between individual liberty, public health and traffic safety.
The legal drinking age in the majority of major nations, such as Canada, China, Germany, France and India, is 18, after which people are free to consume alcohol in moderation. Meanwhile, countries like the US and Japan adopt a more strict laws by establishing it at 21. In contrast, Germany and Austria permit the consumption of alcohol at the age of 16, primarily beer and wine, which reflects a cultural approach centred on moderation and education. Such laws encourage responsible behaviour, lessen underage drinking, and work to avoid accidents and health problems. For instance, lowering the age to 21 in the United States resulted in fewer youth fatalities from drunk driving.
World’s Top 20 Most Powerful Countries And Their Legal Drinking Age
In this artcile, we have listed the world’s top 20 most powerful countries in 2025 and the legal drinking ages there, emphasising how these regulations represent the priorities of each country and the implications for young adults and tourists. Knowing these age restrictions keeps you informed and safe, whether you’re a parent speaking to your teen, a traveller or a student studying overseas.
| Rank | Country | Legal Drinking Age | Key Laws & Notes |
| 1 | United States | 21 | Nationwide age for purchase/possession. States set exceptions, zero tolerance for underage driving. |
| 2 | China | 18 | Minimum for buying/consuming alcohol, enforcement varies by region. |
| 3 | Russia | 18+ | 18 for all types, proposals to raise to 21 discussed, enforcement generally at 18. |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 18 | Purchase age is 18. 16-17-year-olds can drink beer/wine with a meal if accompanied by an adult at home, at any age. |
| 5 | Germany | 16 (beer/wine); 18 (spirits) | Beer/wine at 16, stronger alcohol at 18. Accompanied minors (14+) may drink beer/wine in public. |
| 6 | South Korea | 19 | Age is 19 internationally (previously based on Korean age). Buying/selling below age is prohibited. |
| 7 | France | 18 | 18+ to buy/consume in public. Selling to minors is illegal. |
| 8 | Japan | 20 | 20+ to purchase/consume. Parents can be punished if minors drink. |
| 9 | Saudi Arabia | 21 (de facto) | Alcohol is illegal for everyone. Heavy penalties for consumption/possession by any age. |
| 10 | Israel | 18 | Legal age for purchase, strict ID enforcement in venues. |
| 11 | United Arab Emirates | 21 | 21+ for non-Muslims only, alcohol restricted in certain emirates and strictly regulated. |
| 12 | India | 18-25 (by state) | Varies by state: most 18-21, some 25. Some states have prohibition or further restrictions. |
| 13 | Canada | 18-19 (by province) | 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec; 19 elsewhere. |
| 14 | Ukraine | 18 | Legal to purchase/consume from 18, ID required. |
| 15 | Italy | 18 | 18+ to buy, minors can consume under supervision at home, but not in public. |
| 16 | Iran | Alcohol banned | Alcohol is illegal for Muslims. Only non-Muslim religious rites permitted, never by age. |
| 17 | Turkey | 18 | Legal to buy/consume from age 18, Advertising and sale to minors strictly prohibited. |
| 18 | Australia | 18 | 18+ for purchase/public consumption, Strict ID at venues, penalties for underage sales. |
| 19 | Qatar | 21 | 21+ for non-Muslims in licensed venues. Alcohol is heavily restricted in society. |
| 20 | Switzerland | 16 (beer/wine); 18 (spirits) | 16+ for beer/wine, 18 for spirits; strict controls on point-of-sale, regionally regulated. |
Source: World Population Review (Powerful countries rank), Age and key rules data taken from various government sites of each country.
Laws Related To Drinking, Buying And Selling Alcohol in India
In India, the laws related to drinking and buying alcohol vary from state to state. While some states permit legal drinking at 18, others have stricter rules. Here’s a look at some key alcohol-related laws in India:
Legal Drinking Age Varies by State: Ranges from 18 to 25 depending on the state. For example, 18 in Goa, 21 in Delhi, and 25 in Punjab.
Dry States Exist: States like Gujarat, Bihar, and Mizoram have banned the sale and consumption of alcohol.
Permit Required in Some States: In Maharashtra and Gujarat, individuals need a government-issued permit to purchase or consume alcohol legally.
Time Restrictions: Sale of alcohol is restricted to certain hours in many states, often between 10 AM to 10 PM.
Prohibited Near Certain Areas: Liquor shops cannot be located within a certain distance of schools, hospitals, and religious places.
No Public Drinking: Consuming alcohol in public places is a punishable offence across India.
Drunk Driving Is a Crime: Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence with heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Labelling and Licensing Rules: All alcohol must be sold through licensed vendors, with proper labelling indicating state excise duty.
Special Laws for Tourists: Some states offer temporary drinking permits for tourists, especially in dry regions.
Heavy Taxes and Duties: Alcohol is heavily taxed, with different pricing structures across states