New bid to cut underage drinking

Changes introduced in the 2016 health law toughen up alcohol sales after what the health ministry called a “disturbing rise in the number of 15-25 year olds being found drunk”.

A survey found that 16% of girls and 17% of boys under 15 admitted to already being drunk twice in their lives.The European average is 24% for girls and 27% for boys.

Alcohol sales are banned to under-18s and the law makes it mandatory for anyone selling alcohol to ask for proof of age from young people and they must display a new poster warning of their obligation.

The law also bans under-16s from areas where drink is sold unless with an adult and says bars holding happy hours must also provide cheap-rate soft drinks.