Minimum drinking age on BA flights
Feb 24, 2024, 7:38 am
#1
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Minimum drinking age on BA flights
My son is 15 years old currently and we are travelling on CW to HKG next month.
He was asked by the cabin crews whether he would like a glass of champagne as a welcome drink, and a glass of port after the meal services in the last two flights. So I suppose that drinking is allowed for a 15 year old on BA flights?
He told me he would like to try on some low alcohol cocktails or baileys. I am not opposed to that, but is it legal for him to take a glass of champagne?
He was asked by the cabin crews whether he would like a glass of champagne as a welcome drink, and a glass of port after the meal services in the last two flights. So I suppose that drinking is allowed for a 15 year old on BA flights?
He told me he would like to try on some low alcohol cocktails or baileys. I am not opposed to that, but is it legal for him to take a glass of champagne?
Feb 24, 2024, 7:58 am
#3
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I don't think it's illegal as such (in UK law anyway) to offer alcohol on-board to under 18s. It is BA policy though. If you have no objections and he's not been asked (and lied about) his age then I'd just let him take it when offered on the understanding that on other flights he might not get so lucky.
Feb 24, 2024, 8:06 am
#4
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At 15 I had a breakfast bottle of champagne (cost £1) on a GVA-LHR on the way to EDI for Easter holidays. No one batted an eyelid…until my little brother grassed me up to my ma. I was on a pretty tight leash that Easter 🙄
Feb 24, 2024, 8:25 am
#5
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The BA rule is 18 years old, but it's not a legal requirement as far as I know, whereas being drunk of an aircraft would be illegal regardless of age. If someone slightly younger has a modest drink with their parents' consent and supervision then I don't see it as an issue, and I certainly wouldn't think it appropriate for passengers to show documentation of their age during the cabin service. As someone who referees rugby occasionally, some of the youngsters are pretty successful in looking - and more importantly acting - older than their birth certificate.
Feb 24, 2024, 8:31 am
#6
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I don't think it's illegal as such (in UK law anyway) to offer alcohol on-board to under 18s. It is BA policy though. If you have no objections and he's not been asked (and lied about) his age then I'd just let him take it when offered on the understanding that on other flights he might not get so lucky.
Also, an aircraft isn't licensed premises, it's outside the remit. Same for a train, but while in motion. This is why, technically, you cannot be served alcohol on the train while it's in a station. It's also why the usual license condition of 'must provide free drinking water' doesn't apply to aircraft and trains.
Feb 24, 2024, 8:42 am
#7
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Meh, I was getting served in pubs at 14. If you look old enough, have the chutzpah/charm, and can be responsible, nothing wrong with that.
(I think I achieved 2 of those, on a good day...)
(I think I achieved 2 of those, on a good day...)
Feb 24, 2024, 8:48 am
#8
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Only absolute age-based prohibition is against giving alcohol to under 5's in England & Wales (Scotland has no minimum age)...
Also, an aircraft isn't licensed premises, it's outside the remit. Same for a train, but while in motion. This is why, technically, you cannot be served alcohol on the train while it's in a station. It's also why the usual license condition of 'must provide free drinking water' doesn't apply to aircraft and trains.
Also, an aircraft isn't licensed premises, it's outside the remit. Same for a train, but while in motion. This is why, technically, you cannot be served alcohol on the train while it's in a station. It's also why the usual license condition of 'must provide free drinking water' doesn't apply to aircraft and trains.
When I used to use the Caledonian Sleeper you could order from the lounge car long before the train departed
Feb 24, 2024, 8:56 am
#9
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An activity is not a licensable activity if it is carried on—
(a)aboard an aircraft, hovercraft or railway vehicle engaged on a journey,
....
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1) the period during which an aircraft, hovercraft, railway vehicle or vessel is engaged on a journey includes—
(a)any period ending with its departure when preparations are being made for the journey, and
(b)any period after its arrival at its destination when it continues to be occupied by those (or any of those) who made the journey (or any part of it).
(a)aboard an aircraft, hovercraft or railway vehicle engaged on a journey,
....
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1) the period during which an aircraft, hovercraft, railway vehicle or vessel is engaged on a journey includes—
(a)any period ending with its departure when preparations are being made for the journey, and
(b)any period after its arrival at its destination when it continues to be occupied by those (or any of those) who made the journey (or any part of it).
Feb 24, 2024, 10:12 am
#10
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when i looked younger i remember, after requesting liquor from the beverage cart, being asked "what year were you born?" by the FA as if they were playfully quizzing me to make sure i was of appropriate drinking age. i agree it would be inappropriate to be carded during service but the crewmember was tactful and i thought it was cute.
Feb 24, 2024, 10:29 am
#11
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when i looked younger i remember, after requesting liquor from the beverage cart, being asked "what year were you born?" by the FA as if they were playfully quizzing me to make sure i was of appropriate drinking age. i agree it would be inappropriate to be carded during service but the crewmember was tactful and i thought it was cute.
Call the armchair lawyers in! https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga...17/section/173
Is a train 'engaged on a journey' when it stops at an intermediate point?
Is a train 'engaged on a journey' when it stops at an intermediate point?
Feb 24, 2024, 10:32 am
#12
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16 and 17 year olds can have an alcoholic drink with a meal in licensed premesis, as long as it's bought and paid for by someone over 18.
Would then a 16 year old be allowed wine with a meal service?
Would then a 16 year old be allowed wine with a meal service?
Feb 24, 2024, 10:34 am
#13
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That rule is irrelevant because it doesn't apply here. It's whatever BA sets as a rule and the cabin crew interpretation of it.
Feb 24, 2024, 10:43 am
#14
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I think that in much of Europe (uk included), the fact that your son is indeed with his parents would be taken into account by the crew as it should be. I personally don’t see a problem here.
Feb 24, 2024, 2:56 pm
#15
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What if the flight is in US airspace or flying to the US? They are very odd about such things.