Overview

• The coalition will scrap the 1952 “begleitete Trinken” rule allowing parental supervision of alcohol consumption for 14 to 17-year-olds.
• Ministers have opened formal talks on raising the legal purchase age for beer and wine from 16 to 18.
• Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck has proposed banning alcohol sales in checkout impulse aisles (Quengelgassen) and at gas stations.
• CDU and SPD health spokespeople emphasize that any new age limits must be paired with credible life-skills-based prevention strategies.
• Studies by researchers such as Alexander Ahammer and recent polls show tighter age and retail restrictions reduce adolescent drinking and enjoy majority support.