This information applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The law on the age at which you can drink alcohol is complicated.   Before the age of 18, you are not allowed to buy alcohol in pubs or shops, drink alcohol in pubs or outside in public places.  It is also unlawful for anyone else to buy alcohol for you if you are under 18 and the drink will be consumed in a pub or public place.  

However, if you're aged 16 or 17, you are allowed to drink wine, beer, or cider (but not other alcohol) with a meal in a restaurant, hotel or part of a pub set apart for eating meals. You can only do this if someone aged 18 or over is with you at the meal and buys the alcohol.

Any child aged five or over can drink alcohol at home or on other private premises but children under the age of five can only drink alcohol on a doctor's advice for health reasons.

It's illegal to sell cigarettes, tobacco or cigarette papers to anyone under 18.

Smoking is banned in all public places and workplaces, whatever your age.

For more information about alcohol and young people, see Young People: Health and personal.

Other Frequently asked questions about family matters:

• How can I get away from my violent partner?
• We've just split up - can I still see my children?
• Am I responsible for my civil partner's children?
• Can I change my name?
• I've changed gender - can it be recognised by law?
• How do I go about getting a divorce?