Alcohol laws are laws relating to the manufacture, use, influence, and sale of alcohols (also known formally as ethanol) or alcoholic beverages containing ethanol. The United States defines alcoholic drinks as, "any beverage in liquid form containing no less than one percent of one percent alcohol by volume," but this definition varies internationally. This law may limit those who can produce alcohol, those who can afford it, where people can afford it, or even prohibit the full use and sale of alcohol.
Video Alcohol law
History
Temperance Movement
Maps Alcohol law
Legal alcohol by country
- Australia
- German
- Hong Kong
- India
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
Prohibition
Prohibited alcohol ban
Some countries ban alcoholic beverages or ban them in the past. People who try to avoid a ban turn to alcohol smuggling - known as bootlegging or rum-running - or make moonshine, a refined drink in unlicensed form.
Canada
Canada adopted a ban in the early 20th century, but abolished it in the 1920s.
India
In India, manufacturing, selling or consuming alcohol is banned in the states of Bihar, Gujarat, Manipur and Nagaland, as well as the Lakshadweep union territory. The ban has been controversial in Gujarat, following the July 2009 episode in which widespread poisoning resulting from alcohol has been sold illegally.
All Indian states observe the dry days at major festivals/religious events depending on the festival's popularity in the region. Dry Days are certain days when alcohol sales are prohibited, even though consumption is permitted. Dry days are also observed on voting day. Dry Days set by the respective state government. National holidays such as Republic Day (26 January), Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2) are usually dry days throughout India.
Nordic Countries
Two Nordic countries (Finland and Norway) had a period of alcohol bans at the beginning of the 20th century.
In Sweden, the ban is deeply discussed, but never introduced, replaced by tight rationing and then by looser regulations, including allowing alcohol to be sold on Saturdays.
After the end of the ban, the government's alcohol monopoly was established with detailed restrictions and high taxes. Some of these restrictions have been revoked. For example, supermarkets in Finland were allowed to sell only fermented drinks with alcohol content up to 4.7% ABV, but Alko, a government monopoly, was allowed to sell wine and liquor. This also happened to Norwegian Vinmonopolet and Swedish Systembolaget (although in Sweden the limit for ABV allowed in supermarkets was 3.5%).
United States
In the United States, there were 1919-1933 attempts to eliminate drinking alcoholic beverages by means of their national prohibition of manufacture and sale. This period is known as the Prohibition era. During this time, the 18th Amendment of the United States Constitution made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of illegal alcoholic beverages throughout the United States.
Prohibition causes unintended consequences causing widespread lawlessness, as many people buy alcoholic beverages from illegal sources. In this way, a lucrative business was created for illegal producers and sellers of alcohol, leading to the development of organized crime. As a result, the Prohibition became extremely unpopular, leading eventually to the lifting of the 18th Amendment in 1933 through the adoption of the 21st Amendment of the Constitution.
Before the National Prohibition, beginning in the late 19th century, many states and regions had imposed a Prohibition in their jurisdiction. After the revocation of the 18th Amendment, several areas (known as dry districts) continue to ban the sale of alcohol.
Muslim-majority countries
Some Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sudan, Pakistan, Iran and Libya banned the production, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages because it is banned by Islam.
Drunk driving laws
Most countries have drunk driving legislation that limits how much alcohol a person can consume before driving the car on the road. Allowed blood alcohol content limits range from 0.0% to 0.08%.
Penalties for violations include fines, loss of temporary or permanent driver's license, and imprisonment. Some jurisdictions have similar restrictions for drunken cruises, drunken cycling, and even drunken skates. In many places in the United States, it is also illegal to have an open container of alcoholic beverages in the vehicle's passenger compartment.
Prohibition of drinking alcohol in public places
America
Barbados
Barbados maintains the age of 16 when a person is legally able to consume alcohol in public. Although irregular when intoxicated is illegal and Royal Police may be required to expel drunk individuals from public companies.
Brazil
It is legal and usually socially acceptable for drinking alcohol in public places.
Chile
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places or unlicensed facilities. The law may or may not be enforced depending on the location, the time of the day and the behavior of the offender.
Penalties may include foreclosure or destruction of alcohol, fines or arrests.
United States
Drinking alcohol in public places, such as streets and parks, is against the law in most of the United States, although there is no special federal law that prohibits alcohol consumption in public. Moreover, even when a country (such as Nevada, Louisiana, and Missouri) has no such restrictions, most towns and districts have it. Some cities allow it in certain areas such as the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada, or during a public festival. The two main exceptions are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Butte, Montana, which allow the public consumption of alcoholic beverages anywhere in the city.
Asia
Pakistan
After its independence in 1947, Pakistani law was quite liberal about the liquor laws. Big cities have a drinking culture, and alcohol was available until the 1970s when bans were introduced to Muslims. Since then, the majority Muslim population in Pakistan can not buy alcohol legally, and advertisements for alcoholic beverages have been banned. But it remains widely available in urban Pakistan through the harvests as well as through diplomatic staff from several small countries.
Singapore
Beginning April 1, 2015, public drinking is banned from 10:30. up to 7 am every day. Additional restrictions on public drinking are applied to Geylang and Little India where they have been declared a Refuge Control Zone. Additional restrictions for Geylang and Little India are from 7 am on Saturdays to 7 am on Mondays and from 7 pm on public holiday evenings until 7 am on the day after public holiday. Retailers in the Liquor Control Zone are not allowed to sell liquor from 10:30 am. until 7 am on weekdays (except on the eve of Public Holidays and National Holidays) and from 7 pm to 7 am on weekends, evenings on National Holidays and National Holidays. Retailers outside of the Liquor Control Zone are not allowed to sell liquor from 10:30 am. until 7 am every day.
Europe
Restrictions by country
According to data from the World Health Organization, drinking is publicly regulated in European countries whose data is provided as follows:
- educational buildings :
- ban: Cyprus, Czehia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain
- Partial restrictions: Belgium, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany
- without restrictions: Greek, English
- Government office :
- ban: Cyprus, Czech, Finnish, Hungarian, Latvian, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian
- Partial restrictions: France, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden
- without restrictions: Estonia, Greece, Luxembourg, United Kingdom
- Health care institutions :
- ban: Cyprus, Czech, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia,
- Partial restrictions: Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Sweden
- without restrictions: Denmark, Greece, United Kingdom
- Recreation events :
- tires:
- Partial restrictions: Cyprus, Czech, Finnish, French, Irish, Portugal, Romanian
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden,
- without restrictions: Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom
- Parks and streets :
- ban: Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania
- partial restrictions: Cyprus, Czech, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden
- without restrictions: Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg
- Public transport :
- ban: Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Romania, Slovakia,
- partial restrictions: Czech, Danish, Estonian, Hungarian, Irish, Lithuanian, Maltese, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, English
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany,
- without restrictions: Italy, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Spain
- Places of worship :
- ban: Cyprus, Finland, Romania
- partial restrictions: France, Portugal
- volunteer/self-limitation: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Sweden
- without restrictions: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom
- Sports events :
- ban: Romania, Slovenia, Spain
- partial restrictions: Cyprus, Czech, Finnish, French, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Dutch, English
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Latvia, Slovakia, Sweden
- without restrictions: Denmark, Estonia, Luxembourg
- Workplace :
- ban: Czech, Finnish, Hungarian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian,
- Partial restrictions: Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain
- volunteer/self-limitation: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom
- without restrictions: Estonia, Greece, Luxembourg
Legend : prohibition = alcohol consumption is prohibited by law, infringement can result in punishment. partial restrictions = in some states, territories, cities or cities the consumption of alcohol is prohibited by law; or consumption is limited in certain places but is generally not prohibited. voluntary/self-restricted = alcohol consumption is not prohibited by law, but (some) companies may have self-regulation prohibiting or regulating voluntary alcohol consumption. no restrictions = alcohol consumption is legal.
Legal drinking age
Most countries have established a legal drinking age prohibiting the purchase of alcohol by minors. Most countries also prohibit the consumption of alcohol for minors. Some countries have tiered structures that limit the sales of stronger alcohols to older adults (usually by ABV percentage). Other restrictions imposed by some countries are based on places where alcohol is consumed, such as at home, in restaurants, or in bars. The age at which these limits end up varies from country to country, as well as the degree of application, which can also vary in a country.
Americas
Canada
Under the Canadian Constitution, the responsibility for enacting laws and regulations on the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in Canada is the sole responsibility of the ten provinces. Three Canadian territories have also been granted similar autonomy over these matters under the provisions of federal law.
Most Canadian provinces imposed a ban on alcohol sales, consumption and distribution between 1910 and 1920. After the ban ended, most provinces had a drinking age of at least 21 years, while in the early 70s the age limit was reduced to 18 or 19 years. Then some provinces and regions raised their age limit from 18 to 19 in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
- Alberta:
- Alcohol legalized in 1924 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was lowered to 18 in 1970.
- British Columbia:
- Alcohol authorized in 1921 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The minimum legal drinking age was reduced to 19 in 1970.
- Alcohol authorized in 1921 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- Alcohol legalized in 1924 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was reduced to 19 in 1972.
- Alcohol authorized in 1927 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was reduced to 19 in 1972.
- Alcohol was passed in 1891 - The minimum legal drinking age was set at 21.
- The minimum legal drinking age was reduced to 19 in 1970.
- Alcohol authorized in 1929 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The minimum drinking age for the law was reduced to 19 in 1971.
- Alcohol authorized in 1923 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The minimum drinking age for the law was reduced to 18 in 1971.
- The legal minimum drinking age was raised to 19 in 1979.
- Alcohol authorized in 1948 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was lowered to 18 in 1970.
- The legal minimum drinking age was raised to 19 in 1987.
- Alcohol authorized in 1929 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 20.
- The minimum drinking age by law was reduced to 18 in 1972.
- Alcohol authorized in 1925 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was lowered to 18 in 1970.
- The minimum legal drinking age was raised to 19 in 1976.
- Alcohol authorized in 1920 - The minimum legal drinking age is set at 21.
- The legal minimum drinking age was reduced to 19 in 1972.
United States
The legal age to buy and own (but not necessarily for drinking) has been 21 years in every country since shortly after the passage of the National Minimum Drinking Act in 1984, which binds federal highway funds to states that maintain a minimum age of drinking 21.
Although the national debate was revived in 2008 at an established drinking age (initiated by some university presidents), PublicBind Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found in September 2008 that 76% of New Jerseyans support leave legal drinking age at 21 years. No significant differences occur when considering gender, political affiliation, or territory. However, parents of younger children were more likely to support keeping the age at 21 (83%) than the parents of college-age students (67%).
Seventeen states (Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Wyoming) and District of Columbia laws against alcohol ownership by minors, but they do not prohibit consumption by minors.
Fourteen states (Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia) specifically allow minors to drink alcohol given to them by their parents or by someone entrusted by their parents.
Many states also allow drinking alcohol under the age of 21 for religious or health reasons.
Puerto Rico, the territory of the United States, has maintained the age of 18 years.
US customs law stipulates that no person under the age of 21 can bring the type or quantity of alcohol to that country.
Europe
Taxation and production arrangement
Alcoholic drinks are subject to excise taxes. In addition, they are under different jurisdictions from other consumables in many countries, with very specific regulations and licenses regarding alcohol content, production methods, as well as retail and restaurant sales. Alcohol tax is excise tax, and while tax loss, is a significant source of income for the government. The US government collected 5.8 billion in 2009. Historically, Whiskey Rebellion was caused by the introduction of alcohol taxes to fund the newly established US federal government.
In most countries, commercial production of alcoholic beverages requires a government license, which then collects taxes on this drink. In many countries, alcoholic beverages can be produced at home for personal use without license or tax.
Denmark
Production of house wine and beer is not regulated. The spirit distillation house is legal but not common because it is taxed similarly to a commercially sold spirit. Danish alcohol taxes are significantly lower than in Sweden and Norway, but higher than most other European countries.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, HM Revenue and Customs issued a refinery license, but people can produce beer and wine for personal consumption without a license.
United States
Production of distilled drinks is regulated and taxed. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as well as the Tax and Commerce Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco (formerly an organization called the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) impose federal laws and regulations relating to alcohol. All alcohol product packaging must contain health warnings from the Surgeon General.
In most American countries, individuals can produce wine and beer for personal consumption (but not for sale) in the amount of [usually] up to 100 gallons per adult per year, but not more than 200 gallons per household per year.
The production of illegal liquor (ie, unlicensed) in the United States is often referred to as "moonshining." Illegally produced liquor (popularly called "white lightning") is not aged and contains a high percentage of alcohol.
Sales and ownership restrictions
Alcoholic beverages are only available from licensed stores in many countries, and in some countries, strong alcoholic beverages are sold only by state-run alcohol monopolies.
Nordic Country
In each Nordic country, with the exception of Denmark, the government has a monopoly on liquor sales.
Country-run vendors are called Systembolaget in Sweden, Vinmonopolet in Norway, Alko in Finland, VÃÆ'nbÃÆ'ºÃÆ' ° in Iceland, and RÃÆ'ºsdrekkasÃÆ'¸la Landsins in the Faroe Islands. The first monopoly happened to Falun in the nineteenth century.
The governments of these countries claim that the purpose of this monopoly is to reduce alcohol consumption. These monopolies have been successful in the past, but since joining the EU, it is difficult to limit the import of liquors, legal or illegal, from other EU countries. It has made the monopoly less effective in reducing excessive drinking.
There is an ongoing debate over whether to defend the state-run monopoly.
Norwegian
In Norway, beer with alcohol content of 4.74% volume or less can be sold legally at a grocery store. Stronger beer, wine, and liquor can only be purchased at government monopoly vendors. All alcoholic drinks can be purchased at licensed bars and restaurants, but all must be consumed on the spot.
At local grocery stores, alcohol can only be purchased before 8 pm. (6 am on Saturday, the municipality can set strict rules). And the government monopoly vendor closes at 6 pm. Monday-Friday and 3pm on Saturdays. On Sundays, no alcohol can be bought, except at the bar.
Norway levies the world's heaviest tax on alcoholic beverages, especially on liquor. This tax is subject to above 25% VAT on all goods and services. For example, 700 mL Absolut Vodka currently sells for 300 NOK.
Swedish
In Sweden, beer with a low alcohol content (called folkÃÆ'¶l , 2.25% to 3.5% alcohol by weight) can be sold in ordinary stores for anyone aged 18 years and over, but drinks with high alcohol content can only be sold by government-run vendors for people aged 20 or over, or with licensed facilities such as restaurants and bars, where the age limit is 18 years. Alcoholic beverages purchased at this licensed facility should be consumed on site; nor is it permitted to carry and consume your own alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere.
North America
Canada
In most provinces in Canada, there is a very strict government monopoly on the sale of alcohol. Two examples of this are the Ontario Liquor Control Board, and the British Columbia Distribution Branch. Government control and oversight of the sale of alcohol was a compromise made in 1920 between "dry" and "wets" for the purpose of ending the Canadian ban. Some provinces have moved from government monopolies. In Alberta, a privately owned liquor exists, and in Quebec some wine and liquor can be purchased at dÃÆ' Â © panneurs and a grocery store.
Canada has some of the highest excise taxes on alcohol in the world. These taxes are a source of income for the government and are also intended to prevent drinking. (See Taxation in Canada.) The province of Quebec has the lowest overall alcohol prices in Canada.
The limitation of alcohol sales varies from one province to another. In Alberta, changes introduced in 2008 included a ban on "happy hour," the minimum price, and a limit on the number of drinks a person can buy at a bar or pub at a time after 1 am.
United States
In the United States, the sale of alcoholic drinks is controlled by each state, by county or parish in each state, and by local jurisdictions. In many states, alcohol can only be sold by qualified staff to responsibly serve through the training of alcohol servers. An area that prohibits the sale of alcohol known as dry areas. In some states, liquor sales are banned on Sundays by blue law.
Places where alcohol can be sold or owned, like all other alcohol bans, vary from one state to another. Some states, such as Louisiana, Missouri, and Connecticut, have very permissive alcohol laws, while other countries, such as Kansas and Oklahoma, have very strict alcohol laws.
Many countries require liquor to be sold only in liquor stores. In Nevada, Missouri, and Louisiana, state law does not determine the locations where alcohol is sold.
In 18 countries controlling alcoholic beverages, the state has a monopoly on the sale of liquor. For example, in most of North Carolina beer and wine can be purchased at retail stores, but refined drinks are only available at ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) stores. In Maryland, distilled spirits are available at liquor stores except in Montgomery County, where they are only sold by the county.
Most countries follow a three-tier system in which manufacturers can not sell directly to retailers, but instead must sell to distributors, who in turn sell to retailers. Exceptions are often there for brewpubs (pubs that make their own beer) and wineries, which are allowed to sell their products directly to consumers.
Most states also do not allow open containers of alcohol in moving vehicles. The federal Transport Justice Act for the 21st century 1999 mandates that, if a country does not prohibit open containers of alcohol in a moving vehicle, then a percentage of its federal highway funds will be transferred to an alcohol education program each year. In December 2011, only one state (Mississippi) allowed drivers to consume alcohol while driving (below the 0.08% limit), and only five states (Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, and West Virginia) allowed passengers to consume alcohol while the vehicle is moving.
Five US states limit the sale of alcohol in grocery stores and gas stations to beer at or below 3.2% alcohol: Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Utah. In these countries, stronger beverage sales are limited to liquor stores. In Oklahoma, liquor stores should not cool any beverages containing more than 3.2% alcohol. Missouri also has a provision for beer of 3.2%, but permissive alcohol laws (when compared to other states) make this type of beer scarce.
Pennsylvania began allowing grocery stores and gas stations to sell alcohol. Wine and liquor are still sold in locations called "state stores," but wine stalls are on display at a grocery store. The kiosks connect to the database in Harrisburg, and buyers must show valid IDs, signatures, and look to the camera for face identification to buy wine. Only after all these steps were passed were individuals allowed to get one bottle of wine from the "vending machine". Kiosks are open only during the same hour as the state-run liquor store and are not open on Sundays.
See also
- The wine law
- Alcohol exclusion law
- Alcohol ads
- Drunk driving laws by country
- Public Poisoning
References
External links
- Ã, Shadwell, Arthur (1911). "The Law of Liquor". EncyclopÃÆ'Â|dia Britannica (issue 11).
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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