Legal Drinking Age Around the World

Teenagers constantly moan and bitch about not having access to loads of alcohol. They constantly look for ways to bribe an idiot who’s old enough to get them the poison they need. You would think that if you’re old enough to fight for your country, then you deserve a bottle of beer.

The legal drinking age in the US is 21. Other countries don’t really impose the law as they should, and this is what teenagers are complaining about. But hey, count your blessings because alcohol could altogether be banned. Imagine not being able to have a drop of alcohol forever? That’s a travesty! And as they say, better late than never!

Here are some facts about certain countries that’ll make you glad that you’re an American:

• Some Middle Eastern countries prevent the sale of alcohol altogether. Locals have to travel hours and cross borders just to get a bottle of beer. The tourists, on the other hand, could only drink in private or in the comforts of their hotel rooms. You can only imagine what the nightlife is like. By 8 pm, the only ones partying are the critters. It makes you wish you were an insect, at least while you’re here.
• Locals from Nepal could only have their first drink at the age of 24. While the 3-year difference doesn’t seem like much to those who are legally permitted to drink, this is eons upon eons in teenage years.
• Brunei is just as strict as most Middle Eastern countries. Alcohol isn’t even sold to foreigners in hotels. So, what they do is pack their own bottle of liquor and share a glass or two with their local friends. The only bright spot here is that Malaysia is just an hour’s drive away, and alcohol there isn’t banned.

Then, there are countries that are kinder to teenagers:

• Most of Europe requires that you be at least 18 years old to buy alcohol. If you’re old enough to live away from home, then you’re old enough to do just about anything.
• Haiti sells alcohol to 16-year olds. It’s totally fine to see a drunken teenager stumbling through the streets. Apparently, if you’re old enough to walk, then you’re old enough to buy a drink that makes you forget how to walk.
• Canada’s drinking age differs from one province to the next. Some require you to be at least 18 years old while others require you to wait a year longer. But hey, it’s still a few years sooner than the US.

Whatever the case may be, the moment these young ‘uns get permission from the government, they drag the rest of their buds along and spend the entire night binging on alcohol. Then, they wake up the next day realizing the mistake they’ve committed and promised to never have another drop of alcohol ever again. You all know that’s the biggest load of crap you’ve ever heard. Watch them break that promise the very next night!

Infographic Design by Column Five Media