What is the law about drinking at a private function?!


Question:

What is the law about drinking at a private function?

Tonight I'm attending a football presentation at a local pub. The Club has hired a function room where the presentation will be, and a buffet will be served by the pub. There will also a bar within the function room.

I was just wondering what the law is for drinking at a private function, and how old do you have to be to legally drink alcohol there.

Bear in mind its a private function room which has been hired, with buffet being served, and a bar.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Additional Details

3 weeks ago
And I'm English, the drinking law here is 18, BUT you can drink in your own home from the age of 5. I'm just not sure about private functions in England.

3 weeks ago
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE UNDER 20 YOU CAN STILL DRINK.

Right I don't want anymore Americians replying to this, your law is different to ours, so I can never get an answer off you. And yes I'm under age I'm 17 when you have to be 18 to buy drink in a public pub. BUT I am allowed alcohol when buying with a meal below 18 in a pub or restaurant AND this function is private, with a buffet. PRIVATE. Now please someone British answer at least.


Answers:
3 weeks ago
And I'm English, the drinking law here is 18, BUT you can drink in your own home from the age of 5. I'm just not sure about private functions in England.

3 weeks ago
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE UNDER 20 YOU CAN STILL DRINK.

Right I don't want anymore Americians replying to this, your law is different to ours, so I can never get an answer off you. And yes I'm under age I'm 17 when you have to be 18 to buy drink in a public pub. BUT I am allowed alcohol when buying with a meal below 18 in a pub or restaurant AND this function is private, with a buffet. PRIVATE. Now please someone British answer at least.

I;m pretty sure it doesnt matter if it is a private thing or not, in America you have to be 21, now because its private you may be able to get some alcohol without being 21 but i wouldnt count on it

As long as your 21 you can drink until you can't walk ANYMORE.

It sounds like you are under aged. As an example: If you are 20 or less, any person serving you liquor can be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. And can be fined or arrested. If you have an accident and harm someone or damage their property, then they can be held responsible for damages. You can also be fined or arrested for under aged drinking, and held responsible for damages.

This might be considered a private function, but it is a public place. And the pub can also be fined and loose their license for serving you.

You'll be better off and your piers will respect you more if you stay away from the liquor and drink a cola instead. They definitely don't want the headaches of having to deal with a underage kid so he/she can feel like an adult.

The Yanks can be a pain, they allow underage people to buy beer at locals or corner shops at 18, if the laws in the UK are that and allow you to have a few in a private setting, then just be responsable, and not get to drunk, it is a local counsel and pub licence issue only if you have an accident on premises, no matter if you are of age or under. The local authorities will determine the issue, but anyone intoxicated and causing a time will be dealt with in the same manner.

Best to limit yourself to a few pints, and make sure you eat something, this will keep you alert and not let you feel the alcohols affect, eat what you can and enjoy yuorself, but be careful.

I am a Canadian and have spent a number of night in Pubs in the UK and Ireland, I was in the Catering/Hotel business and researched the issues and laws when there.




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