Buying and Selling Alcohol

The minimum age to buy beer and wine in the Netherlands is 16, and 18 to to buy spirits and hard liquor. Supermarkets are not allowed to sell liquor and only sell beer, wine and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol percentage of less than 14 percent.

Minors under the age of 16 may not buy alcohol, however, with parental consent under 16s may drink at home. Under 16s may only enter a liquor shop if in the company of an adult over 21.

Those in charge of selling alcohol are responsible for checking a valid identification as proof of age.

Drinking and Driving

Anyone is prohibited to drive if they are over 0.5 per thousand litres blood to alcohol level. Driving under the influence is a criminal offence and applies to driving a car and riding a motorbike, scooter, moped or bicycle. All drivers under the age of 24 who have held their licence for less than five years are subject to stricter rules, the blood alcohol content must not exceed 0.2 per thousand. Breaking the law can result in a fine or loss of licence.

It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or medication which may impair the ability to drive. As yet (autumn 2006) there is no reliable testing for drug-driving.

Boat captains are also subject to drink-drive regulations, although the limit is 0.8 per thousand litres blood to alcohol level.

Further Information

• The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport: Document on Alcohol (PDF)
• The Transport Ministry on Alcohol and driving click on Alcohol Drugs and Driving
• The EU documents on Alcohol in the European Union

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