Drinking age and alcohol sales in France (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Selling alcohol to anyone under 18 is banned, and so is giving it free in public places. Young people under 16 may not enter a bar serving alcohol without an adult. There is no general national ban on drinking in the street, but local authorities can set one for a limited time and place.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age to buy beer and wineBuying and drinking alcohol | 18 years [1] |
| Minimum age to buy spiritsBuying and drinking alcohol | 18 years [1] |
| Drinking by younger people with an adultBuying and drinking alcohol | Selling or giving alcohol free to anyone under 18 is banned in public places. Young people under 16 may not enter a bar or café serving alcohol unless an adult is with them. [2] |
| Drinking in public placesBuying and drinking alcohol | Visible drunkenness in a public place is banned (fine up to EUR 150). There is no general national ban on drinking in the street; local authorities can regulate it by decree, limited in time and place. [2] |
| Where and when alcohol is soldBuying and drinking alcohol | A licence is needed to sell alcoholic drinks, and the licence type must be displayed. Selling or distributing alcohol is banned in stadiums and gymnasiums unless specially authorised. [1] |
Notes
- The sources describe one age of 18 for selling alcohol to minors and do not set a different age for spirits. The Code de la santé publique (art. L3342-1) could not be opened.
- Service-Public gives the example of a city-centre ban from Saturday 2 pm to Sunday 6 am in July and August. Local decrees differ by town.
Sources
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Regulation in a bar or restaurant (alcohol, food, hygiene, safety) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Service-Public.gouv.fr: Drunkenness - Alcoholism (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.