I had no problems when I was only 17 and on holiday by myself (a long time ago!). I think it's a bit more relaxed out there than the laws in the UK (or worse the US!)

the age for drinking in spain is 16 , so you should be fine

Thanks for the advice I dont remember it being too strict when i was last out there but just didnt know if it had changed much. I read somewhere that the drinking age in Spain is 16, but then on another site it said 18 so i was a little confused. I know what you mean about the US Paul, i went last year and my parents were talking to some of the locals about the laws there.
Thanks again

Bunney

Where did you learn the age of drinking was 16?

Adam

I thought the legal drinking age in spain was 18... the same as the UK!!! well it was when i worked in majorca!!!!

Hiya everyone.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but....
The legal age to consume alcohol in Spain is 18, but certain autonomous communities had lowered it to 16, (Castille and Leon). therefore, it is best to check depending where you go within Spain.
In Majorca 18 is the legal age.

The government and the Health Minister Elena Salgado are in the process of making 18 the National limit....Spain has big problems with under age drinkers, and the latest fad of young people arranging (via text messages) to meet up for binge parties (macro-bottellon) plus the fatalities from road accidents due to drink.
Far from being relaxed, this government and particularly this Health Minister is on a mission.
However, what the government want and what bar owners actually do, are 2 different things, but they are being made aware that for a minor to be in possession of alcohol is not a crime, but it is for the person who bought/sold/supplied it.
CLICK HERE
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-2090429,00.html

Sanji x

Hi Berry delicious and Sanji,

Yes the minimum drinking age is 18 in Majorca, although to be fair I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted for serving to minors. The truth is that most Hotels don't accept unaccompanied 16 / 17 year olds, so most underage drinkers are with their parents. If the parents are prepared to serve their kids alcohol I'm not sure I can do anything about.

Sorry Bunney, but it really hacks me off when people come on here answering questions, when they clearly don't know what they are talking about.

Cheers,

Adam

(Melting in the heatwave)

Thanks for all the info everyone, its much appreciated. We wont be out partyin as such, it will mainly be drinking with meals etc and i didnt know whether there we're laws which say you can drink a certain drink with a meal etc.
It sounds as though we'll be ok though, if not then still no prob, hol isnt just about drinking isit I think the sun will be the main part for me!
Thanks again
Princess x

The legal drinking age is 18 I have twin lads who have been served in Spain since the age of 15 both with us and on there own, if you behave sensibly it wont be a problem

Thanks Garin. I had no problem when i was about 15 and i was with my parents. We wont be doing any wild partying so we'll be staying quite sensible.Just thought i'd ask about it on here to save embarrassment for my friend when we get there.
Thanks for all the advice

I've never ever seen anyone get asked for I.D. whilst in Majorca...

For some reason I always thought it was the same as France... 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits....

7 weeks today for me and I will be in glorious Magaluf

I always thought it was the same as France... 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits....

No, will you people please believe me...18 years old is the legal age limit to consume alcohol in Spain....in any shape or form.!
There are a few regions in mainland Spain that lowered it to 16 yrs, because each Autonomous region is allowed to set it own by-laws...that is going to change, the government are at this present time, in the process of bringing in a bill, that over rides any regions by-laws and make 18 yrs the NATIONAL limit.
Majorca is not one of them, never was and never will be.

I've never ever seen anyone get asked for I.D. whilst in Majorca...

That`s because we don`t have ID cards, but if you were a Spanish national, then you have to carry ID in the form of a Spanish ID card 24/7/365.

You are advised to keep your passport safe, therefore the Spanish accept that the chances of you carrying ID in the form of a passport will be slim....however, Police have been known to frogmarch and escort British citizens back to their accomodation to produce ID in the form of a British passport or driving licence.

SanJi x

o dear this is getting me a bit worried, theres 3 of us going and 2 are 17, and we are planning to be out partying in magaluf everynight, do you think we will have much problems????

No!

Adam

when i went a few years back (when i was 21) i saw plenty of young folks in bars around the 16/17/18 mark and i never saw anyone refused a drink. I really wouldnt worry about it, look forward to your holiday, it'll all be fine

That`s because we don`t have ID cards, but if you were a Spanish national, then you have to carry ID in the form of a Spanish ID card 24/7/365.

You are advised to keep your passport safe, therefore the Spanish accept that the chances of you carrying ID in the form of a passport will be slim....however, Police have been known to frogmarch and escort British citizens back to their accomodation to produce ID in the form of a British passport or driving licence.

SanJi x

If you've been watching Costa del Streetcrime on Bravo you'll have seen Spanish police fining people for not having ID with them or holding a group of people and giving their friends 15 minutes to go to their room and bring everyones passport to confirm their id due to it being a legal requirement to carry id at all times in Spain.

If you've been watching Costa del Streetcrime on Bravo you'll have seen Spanish police fining people for not having ID with them or holding a group of people and giving their friends 15 minutes to go to their room and bring everyones passport to confirm their id due to it being a legal requirement to carry id at all times in Spain.

I would take what you see on these "reality" programmes with a pinch of salt. The Policia are posturing for the cameras just as much as the youths. I've never known anyone being fined for failing to carry their Passport - this is a Holiday Resort where the vast majority of visitors are wearing swimming costumes or similar, and I cannot believe that anyone will get fined. I have however known people who have come to the notice of the police for whatever reason being taken back to their Hotels to produce some ID. This is totally reasonable, and only someone with something to hide could object to that.

On the other hand on several visits to the British Consulate in Palma I have seen people having to shell out about 60 euros for an emergency passport to get home because their's has been lost or stolen.

My advise would be to leave your passport in the Hotel safe, avoid situations which lead to having to be in contact with the Police (ie Drunkeness, Rowdy behaviour, pratting about on Scooters etc) and enjoy your holiday.

Cheers

Adam