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Firstly, let’s get this straight! Here is what the law says about drinking:

Under 5: It’s illegal for a child under 5 to drink or be given alcohol

Age 14: You can go to a pub which has a children’s certificate, but you can’t buy or drink alcohol

Age 16: You can drink wine, beer or cider with a meal at a restaurant

Age 18: You can buy alcohol, but it’s against the law to buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 18. You could also be asked to show your identification (also known as ID) to prove that you are 18 or over.

Now, here is what you should do if you and your friends are out and about and start drinking:

  • Make sure you look after your friends and know how you are getting home at the end of the night
  • Make sure you eat before you go out and stick to safer drinking levels
  • Never drink and drive
  • Do not get into your friend/neighbour’s car if the driver is drunk

Watch this great video on Alcohol and why people drink from Childline 

Alcohol’s hidden harms- effects on our health

Did you know that regularly drinking alcohol can lead to liver disease and even cancer?

The more you drink, and the more often, the greater the risk to your health. … Drinking less now can make a big difference to your health later on.

Liver health

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. There are several stages of severity and a range of associated symptoms.

Find out about more about the health harms of alcohol