Drinking age in New Brunswick (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: In New Brunswick the full age for buying liquor is 19. Liquor may be consumed only in a residence unless the Act or regulations provide otherwise.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 19 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | Except as the Act or regulations expressly provide, no person may consume liquor in any place other than a residence. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Except as the Act or regulations provide, no one may sell or offer to sell liquor. The Corporation sells to people not prohibited by law from possessing liquor and must not sell to an applicant until proof of age 19 is produced if there is doubt. [1] |
Notes
- The Act sets 19 as the full age but no family exception for giving liquor to under-19s was found in the sections read; the regulations were not checked.
Sources
- Government of New Brunswick: Liquor Control Act, SNB 1973, c L-10 (Internet Archive snapshot of 1 October 2026) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
New Brunswick and neighbouring provinces and territories
| Province or territory | Minimum age to buy beer and wine | Minimum age to buy spirits | Drinking by younger people with an adult | Drinking in public places | Where and when alcohol is sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brunswick | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Only in a residence | Corporation or licensed sellers only |
| Nova Scotia | 19 | 19 | Medicinal use only | ⚠ Not yet verified | No sales to under 19s |
More rules in New Brunswick
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants, locked
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 80 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceEarliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (stage one learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- Fireworks
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.90 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice or one touch only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 19 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 19
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.