Is 17 too young to go to the pub

10 replies

Lizziemouse01 · 14/04/2011 14:57

My 17 year old wants to go the pub with her friend who is the same age. I don't know what the licensing laws are. Neither of them drink alcohol and I trust them not to attempt to, so just wanted advice on whether it is legal or advisable.

OP posts:

Abcinthia · 14/04/2011 15:03

A lot of pubs where I live won't even let someone under 18 in during the evenings. They check your ID as soon as you come in and regularly check it through out the night just to make sure there isn't anyone who is underage in the pub.

During the day it's slightly different. Some of them will allow under 18s in but will only allow them till about 6/7pm then all under 18s get kicked out. And again, they ask continually to see ID if you try to purchase drinks.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 14/04/2011 15:05

Where I live they ID you if they think you are under 25! My son,aged 22 has to have ID on him all the time.

onlyjuststillme · 14/04/2011 15:05

I am amazed and very impressed that she asked! Tis not legal but my wildest drinking days were at 16 ~ 17 (much fun is lost when it is legal) and i am still here, well adjusted and rarely drink.

BikeRunSki · 14/04/2011 15:07

Legally yes, but everybody does it.
The week before my 18th the barman refused to serve me, but happily served my friend who is 10 months younger. Grrr....

Pixielovescake · 15/04/2011 14:14

Its fine. I think its 14 to go to a pub but not drink. I doubt she will get served. However places like wetherspoons wont let her order anythin without ID , even if its a soft drink. Think its because they are a bar rather than a pub.

anniewindsor · 15/04/2011 14:25

My two sons go out on Friday and Saturday nights to Soho. They both drink, occasionaly "pull" and bring random boys home, but aren't too bad. DS1 goes drinking locally with friends from school but again, its not that often.

RustyBear · 15/04/2011 14:42

Personally when DD was 17 I preferred her to go to the pub with her friends (quite a few of them were a year older than her) than be hanging round in the park drinking cheap cider, which probably would have been the alternative.

titchy · 15/04/2011 15:19

Blimey she hasn't been to a pub yet?! Let her! If they refuse to serve her so be it. It's up to the licensee to decide. and yes much more advisable than swigging cider in the park.

lazymumofteenagesons · 15/04/2011 17:09

The drinks are so expensive in the pubs that they usually make one last all night. More likely to get drunk in the park or at a friends house where parents are out.

mumeeee · 16/04/2011 13:32

Some pubs do let under 18's in.

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