Drinking age in Northwest Territories (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: In the Northwest Territories a minor is a person under 19 and selling or supplying liquor to a minor is prohibited. A parent may supply liquor to their child in a residence. Consuming liquor in a public place is prohibited.
| 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 | The ban on supplying liquor to a minor does not apply in a residence if the person supplying is the minor's parent, or for sacramental or medicinal purposes. A minor may then consume it. [1] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | Except as the Act and regulations provide, no person may consume liquor in a public place. Possession of liquor in an opened container in a public place is, absent evidence to the contrary, proof of consumption there. [1] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | Except as the Act or regulations provide, no one may sell or supply liquor to a minor. A minor must not buy or possess liquor, and may not enter a liquor store unless accompanied by a parent or authorised person. [1] |
Sources
- Government of the Northwest Territories: Liquor Act, RSNWT 1988, c L-9 (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
Northwest Territories 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Territories | 19 | 19 | Parent at home | Banned in public places | No sales to under 19s |
| British Columbia | 19 | 19 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned unless bylaw allows | No supply to under 19s |
| Alberta | 18 | 18 | Parent/guardian at home; religious rites | Banned unless in a designated area | No sales to under 18s |
| Saskatchewan | 19 | 19 | Parent/guardian in private place | Banned unless area designated | No sales to under 19s |
More rules in Northwest Territories
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal within limits (19+) · Growing at home: Yes, up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 90 km/h
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (Class 5P, after a year as a learner) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15, with a supervisor (24 months' experience)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: No minimum (12 advised)
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No, unless the Fire Marshal authorises
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $17.20 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- 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
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% (24-hour suspension) · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (novice, under 22)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.