This information applies to Scotland

The law on what age a person can drink alcohol is complicated. Before the age of 18, you are not allowed to buy alcohol in pubs or shops, or drink alcohol in pubs. It is also unlawful for anyone else to buy alcohol for a person aged under 18 to consume in a pub. If you are aged 16 or 17 you are entitled to drink wine, cider or beer to accompany a meal in a hotel or restaurant.

Licensed premises may have to ask for proof of age before serving alcohol.

Any child over the age of five can drink alcohol at home or on other private premises. It is an offence to give alcohol to a child under 5, even in her/his own home.

It is illegal to sell cigarettes, tobacco or cigarette papers to anyone aged under 18.

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

For more information on what age a person can drink alcohol and smoke tobacco, and when proof of age may be needed, see Young people: health and personal.

Other Frequently asked questions about family and personal issues:

• How can I get away from my violent partner?
• Can I change my name back to my maiden name, or to any other name?
• My partner and I have separated and our children are staying with her. What rights do I have to see them?
• I've changed gender - can it be recognised by law?
• How do I go about getting a divorce?
• I am in a same-sex relationship. Are there any advantages for us to register as civil partners?
• My girlfriend and I have been together for eight years. She's got two children. We've been talking about becoming civil partners. What would be my legal position regarding the children?