What is the law/ punishment for alcohol consumption in Amsterdam?!
What is the law/ punishment for alcohol consumption in Amsterdam?
What is the legal drinking age, what is considered normal use and what is considered abuse?
Answers:
16 is considered legal to drink in public in Amsterdam, as it is in most of Europe. However, you must be 18 to be in a public bar/club/disco. If you are between 16 and 18 you have to leave your ID at the door along with a written consent from a parent with phone numbers, and you must be accompanied by an adult (over 18) and have to come for your ID by the time indicated on the consent form. If not, you can expect to be picked up by local police and get a "free ride" to the station, where you have to be picked up by either a parent or legal guardian. No fun! As long as you remain inside (whether club or private residence) there is no punishment for alcohol consumption; however, just like here, if you are caught outside, you might run the risk of being arrested for drunkeness in public/public intoxication. And now you know why so many young people want to go to Europe on vacation :) On the same token, because it is legalized, they don't have half as many cases, if not less, of underage drinking. Goes back to the old "if it's legal, it ain't as much fun"! Hey, it works for them so why fix it if it ain't broke. Same with prostitution. It's legal in most of Europe, and yes, in Amsterdam too. The red light district "employees" have to undergo frequent health check ups, they are quite strict on that and before you moan and groan, their rape rate is nothing compared to what it is here in the U.S. Hmm, makes wonder, huh?
If you are going there or thinking about sending your child, please consider that before you make the decision. It all comes down to your personal preference. I think it's a great idea, on both accounts, considering the low crime/rape and underage drinking rate... Like I said, something to think about... MsB.
Source(s):
Born and raised in Germany, less than 2 hrs away from NL
amsterdam is like the drinking capital of the world. they will give you a beer at age 5.
The legal drinking age in Amsterdam is 16.