Lower Saxony against supervised drinking from the age of 14

Alcohol - Lower Saxony against supervised drinking from the age of 14

The Lower Saxony State Government advocates for raising the age limit for alcohol consumption by minors. The so-called supervised drinking from the age of 14 in the presence of parents, as reported by the "Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung", is considered very problematic by the Health Ministry.

"It sends completely wrong social signals when parents or older siblings or friends drink beer or wine with 14-year-olds", said Health Minister Andreas Philippi (SPD) to the newspaper. Alcohol causes serious health damages, lowers inhibitions, promotes risky and aggressive behavior, and makes one strongly dependent. The earlier the onset of drinking, the more problematic the behavior as an adult. "Supervised drinking trivializes alcohol consumption and should be abolished", said Philippi.

The Health Ministers Conference of the States plans to draft regulations by at least November.

In Germany, minors can regularly drink beer, wine, and sparkling wine from the age of 16. However, this is already allowed in the presence of guardians, such as father or mother, from the age of 14.

1. The proposal to increase the alcohol consumption age limit in Lower Saxony has garnered attention in various news outlets, including the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung.
2. BMG, the Federal Ministry of Health, supports the Lower Saxony State Government's stance, as alcohol consumption at a young age can lead to serious health complications.
3. Andreas Philippi, the Health Minister of Lower Saxony, highlighted the issue in Hanover, stating that drinking beer or wine with minors sends the wrong message.
4. He further emphasized that alcohol can lead to decreased inhibitions, risky behavior, and potential drug abuse, which can negatively impact a person's health and wellbeing throughout their life.
5. The State government is working towards implementing new regulations, aiming to shelter minors from the harmful effects of early alcohol consumption, following the Health Ministers Conference in Germany.
6. While minors can currently consume beer, wine, and sparkling wine in Germany from the age of 16, they are allowed to do so under supervision from guardians, such as parents or guardians, from the age of 14 in Lower Saxony.

Read also:

• Tough return to normality in snow and ice
• Frigate on its way to EU mission - debate about security
• Frigate "Hamburg" en route to EU mission in the Red Sea
• Steinmeier joined a moment of silence - a legal battle over an AfD protest.