Federal Minister for Families Karin Prien (CDU) plans to abolish the “accompanied drinking” provision for young people aged 14 and older. According to a draft proposal from her ministry, reported by Politico, the proposed amendment would delete the exception that currently permits children and adolescents to buy and consume beer, wine, and sparkling wine while being accompanied by a responsible adult, even at ages 14 or 15.
The proposal is justified as part of an effort to treat the growing issue of addiction seriously. The ministry warns that early exposure to alcohol can lead to a range of problems “from health endangerment to aggression and neglect”. It therefore calls for preventive measures designed to protect children and youth from everyday addictions.
This change to the Youth Protection Act is a component of a larger bill aimed at reforming child and youth welfare. According to Politico, that broader draft is presently undergoing stakeholder consultation and is expected to be passed in the Bundestag by the end of the year.