Too young for Alcohol?

I’m really not happy about my Dd and Dsil buying my 15 year old (16 in a couple of months) a bottle of larger when they go out for a meal

Possibly, although it could be that he is her DD's brother, ie her son? In which case, she should make the rules.

I think that the OP has missed out "grandson" from her post.

NotSpaghetti

poppyred and missadventure - I understood that the OP is a grandparent.

Me too!

If the OP is a grandparent and her son is being plied with lager then something strange is going on ...

poppyred and missadventure - I understood that the OP is a grandparent.

Yes, it's the op's son who is being given alcohol.

The OP is the parent!

We have a strange attitude to alcohol in the UK. Obviously it's a drug and we are better off without it but we don't seem to have got the education side of it right I feel.

This 👏👏👏

So - 16 year olds can get married, start a family, vote, join the Forces, pay taxes but they're not old enough to drink or leave education!

I'm not saying any of the above is right, btw.

I d stop worrying as well, how many 16 year olds are smoking, vaping, taking drugs and drinking legal or illegal
I say don’t worry better to do it with permission that behind the families backs

Thanks for all your replies.
Even though I said I was biting my tongue, it was just a figure of speech and I’m not going to say anything, I know to never interfere.
I feel a bit better about it now I know the majority think it’s not too bad.

I have no issue with this whatsoever. If I did I’d keep quiet as it’s none of my business. He’s almost 16 not 6!

I can’t see what the problem is here. The boy is with his parents and a lager (weak beer). So many youngsters don’t drink but take drugs. I know what I’d prefer.

I would feel uneasy as well. I understand the concept of introducing them in a controlled environment with family vs with mates but I can't say I like it. Having said that, best course of action is to keep opinions to yourself. Questioning parenting decisions seldom goes well, even when intentions are nothing but loving.

I bet he and his mates drink already. Much better to help him learn to drink sensibly.

X post Katie sorry.

sodapop

I think 16 or 17 year olds can drink beer, wine or cider to have with a meal (except in Northern Ireland) - but I doubt think they can buy it. They have to be accompanied by an adult as far as I'm aware.
But it’s illegal for people this age to drink spirits even with a meal.

I think the 14 year old thing has changed to be honest - as I think you (as an adult) used to be able to buy lager beer and wine for 14 year olds to consume with a meal.

I know there are law variations around the country Wales and England I think are the same but Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

I know they can drink at home if they are over 5 🙄

It's obviously not straightforward.

Re this thread, I wouldn't be concerned to be honest.

I don't panic when our grandson likes to join in with a "toast" at birthdays and Christmas which he did from age 15 - but only at home. None of my family are big drinkers.

We have a strange attitude to alcohol in the UK. Obviously it's a drug and we are better off without it but we don't seem to have got the education side of it right I feel.

Katie59

Did you know it was legal for 16 yr old to buy his 14 yr old girlfriend alchohol in a restaurant - really.
It’s only illegal in a “bar” and that’s a different place, there really is no minimum drinking age.

That is out of date, there is no distinction between a “bar” and a “restaurant” now you do need to be 18 to buy alcohol regardless

I agree wildswan16 very sensible.

Two threads today one person too old to drink alcohol and the other too young. Better make the most of the middle years

They sound like very responsible and sensible parents.

I agree. He is almost 16 and is being introduced to alcohol gradually and sensibly in the company of his family. As a result he is likely to be far more responsible with alcohol than his friends who are suddenly able to drink for the first time and have no idea of boundaries. I introduced my son to the very occasional weak beer at around the same age and he has always been very responsible with drinking,

I really don’t think the odd lager is going to hurt. If it were a lot of vodka shots, it’d be a very different matter.

They are perhaps teaching him to drink responsibly.

Did you know it was legal for 16 yr old to buy his 14 yr old girlfriend alchohol in a restaurant - really.
It’s only illegal in a “bar” and that’s a different place, there really is no minimum drinking age.

I understand.

I'd not like this at all, and I'd say not a word.

His parents, their rules.

normal
Meal!