Spain proposes to tackle underage drinking with groundbreaking legislation

Spain’s government has just given the green light to a sweeping new law aimed at curbing underage drinking, declaring war on easy access to booze for teens.

The Council of Ministers has approved the Law on the Prevention of Alcohol Consumption in Minors, which is now heading to Parliament for approval.

The proposed law doesn’t just tighten the rules – it overhauls them completely. The move comes as new figures show alcohol is the most widely consumed drug among Spanish teens aged 14 to 18, with a staggering 93% saying they can still get their hands on booze with ease, despite existing restrictions.

Health Minister Mónica García called the law a “pioneering piece of legislation”, designed to harmonise rules across Spain and introduce new measures to combat what she described as a “social problem that requires urgent action.”

How will the new law curb underage drinking in Spain?

Under the new law:

Drinking is banned for minors – full stop. Adults are also barred from drinking in spaces where minors are in the majority, such as schools, sports facilities, and family-friendly entertainment venues like ball parks.

Establishments aimed at kids, like toy shops that also sell food and drinks, won’t be allowed to stock alcohol. Similarly, vending machines must install tech to block underage sales and are banned in public places where alcohol is already restricted.

Alcohol ads targeting minors are out, as are those that downplay the health risks or use youthful imagery. This is particularly prevalent on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, which might prove challenging. 

Sponsorship by alcohol brands is banned in public spaces aimed at kids and in training programmes for teachers, healthcare workers, and youth services.

In addition, all alcohol advertising will be banned within 150 metres of schools, hospitals, and children’s play areas – though businesses will have a year to comply after the law takes effect.

‘No such thing as safe drinking’ according to scientific evidence

García pulled no punches: ‘The scientific evidence is clear – there is no safe amount of alcohol that doesn’t have a negative impact on health. Moderate drinking offers no health benefits whatsoever.’

With underage drinking still alarmingly common and easy access to alcohol undermining existing rules, the government is making its stance crystal clear: Spain’s young people are no longer fair game for the drinks industry.

The bill, if passed, will introduce some of the toughest alcohol restrictions Spain has ever seen. Whether it will be enough to put a cork in teen drinking remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain – the government isn’t afraid to stir up the debate.

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