The legal drinking age in Canada is 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory. In some provinces and territories, people under 18 can drink in licensed establishments if they are with a parent or guardian. The drinking age can affect you in many ways. If you are under the legal drinking age, you may be subject to fines or other penalties if you are caught drinking. You also may not be able to enter certain establishments, such as bars, that serve alcohol. The drinking age can also affect your travel plans. If you are under the legal drinking age in Canada, you may not be able to drink while traveling to other countries where the legal drinking age is lower.
What is the drinking age in Canada
The drinking age in Canada has been 18 or 19 since July 1, 1971, when the federal government passed the Uniform Age of Majority and Liquor Control Act. Prior to that date, the drinking age varied from province to province. The act was meant to establish a uniform legal drinking age across the country and help reduce alcohol-related problems among young people. Do all provinces and territories have the same drinking age? No. Although the federal government sets the minimum legal drinking age at 18 or 19, each province and territory is responsible for its own alcohol laws. For example, in Quebec and Alberta, people as young as 18 can drink in licensed establishments if they are with a parent or guardian. In the rest of Canada, people under 18 are not allowed in licensed establishments that serve alcohol. What are the penalties for drinking under the legal age? The penalties for breaking the law vary from province to province, but can include fines, community service, or even jail time. In some provinces, young people who are caught drinking may have their driver’s licence suspended. How does the drinking age affect travel? If you are under the legal drinking age in Canada, you may not be able to drink while traveling to other countries where the legal drinking age is lower. For example, the legal drinking age in the United States is 21, so if you are under 21 and travelling to the U.S., you will not be able to drink there. The drinking age can also affect your travel plans if you are trying to rent a car. In Canada, most car rental companies require that drivers be at least 21 years old. However, some companies will allow drivers as young as 18 to rent a car if they have a valid driver’s licence and are willing to pay an additional fee. What are the risks of drinking under the legal age? Drinking alcohol can be harmful to your health, no matter what your age. However, young people who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop problems with alcohol later in life than those who wait until they are 21. Drinking under the legal age can also lead to other problems, such as poor school performance, legal troubles, and problems with friends and family. If you are concerned about your drinking or someone else’s, there is help available. Talk to your doctor
Are there any exceptions to the drinking age in Canada, such as for religious ceremonies or medical purposes?
Yes. The federal government allows exceptions to the drinking age for religious ceremonies and medical purposes. For example, people of any age can drink wine or beer as part of a religious ceremony in a church, synagogue, or mosque. And people under the legal drinking age can drink alcohol for medical reasons if it is prescribed by a doctor.