Overview

• Sixty-five percent of adults favor abolishing the law that lets 14- to 16-year-olds drink beer and wine under parental supervision
• A slim majority of 52 percent want the minimum purchase age for beer and wine raised from 16 to 18
• Thirty-five percent of respondents call for a total ban on alcohol advertising while another 32 percent back tighter marketing restrictions
• State health ministers, backed by Federal Health Minister Nina Warken, have formally proposed amending the Jugendschutzgesetz in line with public opinion
• Health experts warn that early alcohol use heightens the risk of accidents, injuries, violence and long-term illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders