Can I drink here?
 

In my travels I have discovered that alcohol laws are not as clear as "what can I get ya?" Instead many cities, countries and counties have their own interpretation of what constitutes as legal consumption of alcohol entails.

Has anyone experienced unique encounters with international law while enjoy a frothy beverage? I have found that you are pretty safe within the confines of your hotel owned by an American or European based companies, however, what if one wants to experience the real world?

A bartender in Boston once refused to serve me a double...

"International law" generally refers to the policies put forth by institutions such as the WTO and UN, which certainly do not extend into mundane matters such as alcohol consumption.

If you're curious about drinking laws and de facto enforcement of the said laws, you can simply google [country "alcohol laws"]. Also, feel free to ask questions about specific countries here.

Can I drink here?
 

I've run into many places that only allow you to get one drink at a time. Makes it a pain when you wait in line to get a drink and one for your wife...

In Bangladesh, they will not serve liquor to Muslims, but they will to non-Muslims. Exactly how they determine the difference I'm not sure. I guess they rely on honesty.

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Here in BC, "free pours" aren't allowed. When you order a drink, by law it's a measured pour.

Always pleases me in parts of the USA or Europe where it's a 'free' pour and the pouring is generous in the extreme :)

A Canadian waiter (in Canada) gave me a hard time because I was old enough to drink in Canada, but not in the U.S. I was traveling with my mother, who pretty much told him to stuff it and bring me my glass of wine.

There are exceptions in the US. From the Wisconsin Department of Revenue FAQ:

Can an underage person possess and consume alcohol beverages on licenses premises?

Yes. Persons under age 21 may possess and consume alcohol beverages if they are with their parents, guardians or spouses of legal drinking age; but this is at the discretion of the licensee. The licensed premise may choose to prohibit consumption and possession of alcohol beverages by underage persons.

Most bars don't allow it but many restaurants do.

Found this funky site, looks like it has good intentions. Probably a lawyer wanting to provide some resources to the traveling world.

www.legaldrink.co

What a helpful post.


To the OP: I've found European skiing resorts, and Far East holiday resorts, where the rules are if someone is still drinking, the bar is still open.

Where was this? :confused:

Here in Vancouver our pubs are full of 19 and 20-year-old Americans drinking frosty pints, with the staff happily serving them.

What?

In Italy, particularly for regular patrons, you're given the entire bottle of spirits at the table, as a help yourself fashion.

In certain dry counties in Texas and the American south, I believe you still have to buy a temporary drinking license in order to have a beer at the hotel bar. Happened to me years ago outside Dallas on one of my first business trips, and I felt I had come to another country.

I've been in restaurants and bars in the Dallas area where you must first become. Member of their private club.

Also, IIRC to drink beer at the bar in the student union at the University of Wisconsin, you must be a member or a guest of a member.

The UAE has some strange drinking laws, including the requirement of a license, which requires residency, a sufficiently high income, and the employer's permission. There are also some interesting laws about liquor stores and the transport of alcohol to one's home for consumption.

I remember staying in a hotel in Utah that was only permitted to serve alcohol if one ordered food at the same time, whether in their restaurant or through room service.

At a hotel in Indiana, the room minibar was set up electronically so that one could not take alcohol after the closing hour.