View source for Alcohol laws in Germany

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{{use dmy dates |date=April 2021}}
[[File:Aufseß Bier.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Beer in Germany|Beer]] is an important part of [[German culture]].]]
The [[Germany|German]] laws regulating [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]] use and sale are mostly focused on youth protection. In contrast to many other countries, legislation is relatively lenient and not designed to keep young people away from alcohol, but rather intended to teach them an appropriate approach to alcohol consumption, which is reflected by one of the lowest [[Legal drinking age|drinking ages]] in the world.

The tax rates for alcoholic beverages in Germany are below average compared to the rest of Europe, and there are very few regulations governing availability.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schindler |first=Frederik |date=2023-01-01 |title=Suchtpolitik: Grünen-Politikerin will Verfügbarkeit von Alkohol und Tabak einschränken |language=de |work=DIE WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/article242956531/Suchtpolitik-Gruenen-Politikerin-will-Verfuegbarkeit-von-Alkohol-und-Tabak-einschraenken.html |access-date=2023-01-01}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Drinking in Germany – DW – 11/18/2006 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-highs-and-lows-of-germanys-drinking-culture/a-2226609 |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-18 |title=Study: Germany Has an Alcohol Problem |url=https://movendi.ngo/news/2019/04/18/study-germany-has-an-alcohol-problem/ |access-date=2023-04-29 |website=movendi.ngo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kiel |first=Viola |date=2024-08-21 |title=Regulierung von Alkohol: "Deutschland vermeidet jede wirksame Maßnahme gegen Alkohol" |url=https://www.zeit.de/wissen/2024-08/regulierung-alkohol-gesundheit-juergen-rehm |access-date=2024-08-22 |work=Die Zeit |language=de-DE |issn=0044-2070}}</ref> [[Drinking in public]] is generally legal and considered socially normal.<ref name=":1" /> Although the government has planned stricter regulations several times, the alcohol industry is politically influential and has prevented their implementation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saleh-Ebrahimi, Sanaz |first=and Daniel, Drepper |date=2017-02-22 |title=Der immer noch ganz legale Rausch |url=https://www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de/nachrichten/politik/der-immer-noch-ganz-legale-rausch_aid-1787942 |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=Saarbrücker Zeitung |language=de}}</ref>

In 2006, approximately 1.7 million people in Germany were [[Alcohol dependence|dependent on alcohol]] and needed treatment, and 2.7 million [[Alcoholism|consumed alcohol in a harmful way]].<ref name=":0" /> In 2016, Germany had the [[List of countries by alcohol consumption per capita#Comprehensive list with data from 2016|fifth highest]] per capita alcohol consumption worldwide. The rate of teenagers drinking alcohol in Germany is one of the highest in both Europe<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol intake among teenagers in Europe in 2018 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1126269/alcohol-intake-among-teenagers-in-europe/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref> and the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Once 16, they get going |url=https://news.rub.de/english/2022-04-04-economic-research-once-16-they-get-going |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=news.rub.de |language=de}}</ref> Due to the low taxation on alcohol, low drinking age and tax regulations regarding availability, as well as a supposed social trivialization of the risks and harmfulness of alcohol in the country, Germany has been referred to as a "[[promille]] paradise".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Habich |first=Irene |date=2018-04-26 |title="Sandra Maischberger"-Talk über Alkoholsucht: "Selbstmord auf Raten" |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/diagnose/sandra-maischberger-talk-ueber-alkoholsucht-selbstmord-auf-raten-a-1204704.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-26 |title=Promille-Paradies Deutschland? So viel Alkohol trinken die Deutschen wirklich |url=https://de.nachrichten.yahoo.com/promille-paradies-deutschland-viel-alkohol-trinken-die-deutschen-wirklich-111506691.html |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=Yahoo News |language=de-DE}}</ref>{{clarify|reason="promille paradise" makes no sense in English even if you know what "promille" means|date=February 2024}}

== Drinking age ==
{{See also|Protection of Young Persons Act (Germany)}}
[[File:Jugendschutzgesetz (Aushang).png|thumb|'''German Jugendschutzgesetz (Youth Protection Law):'''<br />The law has to be placed at every public event and establishments selling or serving alcoholic beverages.]]
In Germany, underage drinking in private is not regulated by a specific legal restriction. However, protection from physical and mental harm is part of parents' general obligation to care for a child.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.blja.bayern.de/themen/jugendschutz/oeffentlich/index.html|title= Youth protection in public|publisher= Zentrum Bayern Familie und Soziales, Bayerisches Landesjugendamt|accessdate= 17 December 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121114222020/http://www.blja.bayern.de/themen/jugendschutz/oeffentlich/index.html|archive-date= 14 November 2012|url-status= dead|df= dmy-all}}</ref> Regarding alcohol purchase and alcohol consumption in public places (such as pubs and restaurants), Germany has three [[Legal drinking age|drinking ages]] regulated by ''§ 9 Jugendschutzgesetz''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bmfsfj.de/RedaktionBMFSFJ/Abteilung5/Pdf-Anlagen/juSchGenglisch,property=pdf,bereich=,rwb=true.pdf|title=Protection of Young Person Act}}</ref> ''(Protection of Young Persons Act)'':

{{Blockquote|text='''§ 9 Alcoholic drinks'''<br />(1) In licensed premises, at points of sale or elsewhere in public places <br />
# Beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine or mixtures of beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine and soft drinks, must not be sold to Children and Adolescents below the age of 16 years, 
# other alcoholic drinks or food items that contain other alcoholic drinks in more than insignificant quantities must not be sold to Children and Adolescents, 
nor must their consumption by said persons be tolerated.<br />
(2) Sub-Clause 1, No. 1 shall not apply to Adolescents accompanied by a Custodial Person. |sign=Protection of Young Persons Act|source=[https://www.bmfsfj.de/blob/90278/7a45fcfc6a8f06a8fcca28df3274e947/juschg-englisch-2016-data.pdf § 9 Alcoholic drinks ]}}

'''This results in three different drinking ages depending on the type of alcoholic beverage and circumstances:'''
*'''At 14''' – Minors are allowed to consume and possess undistilled (fermented) alcoholic beverages, such as [[beer]] and [[wine]] in public places, bars or restaurants, as long as they are in the company and have the permission of a Custodial Person. ''(§ 9 JuSchG (2) and § 1 JuSchG (1) 2)''. This regulation is colloquially known as "begleitetes Trinken" ("accompanied drinking") and is considered increasingly controversial in recent years, with two [[SPD]] politicians having called for its abolition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-12 |title=Alkohol mit Mama und Papa: Kommt das Aus fürs begleitete Trinken? |url=https://www.wochenblatt-news.de/alkohol-mit-mama-und-papa-kommt-das-aus-fuers-begleitete-trinken/ |access-date=2022-11-18 |website=www.wochenblatt-news.de |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-11 |title=Debatte um Alkohol für 14-Jährige: Lauterbach will Verbot von begleitetem Trinken für Jugendliche |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/debatte-um-alkohol-fur-14-jahrige-lauterbach-will-verbot-von-begleitetem-trinken-fur-jugendliche-12001568.html |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=[[Tagesspiegel]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rahmatullah |first=Abdul |date=2024-07-12 |title=Alkohol und Jugendliche: Wie gefährlich ist das Trinken mit Mama und Papa? |url=https://www.spiegel.de/gesundheit/ernaehrung/alkohol-und-jugendliche-wie-gefaehrlich-ist-das-trinken-mit-mama-und-papa-a-fdde6ab1-51a5-43c8-851d-91e8ea6ba7d1 |access-date=2024-08-06 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-26 |title=Drogenbeauftragter für Alkohol-Konsum ab 18: „Wir haben ein dickes Problem“ |url=https://www.merkur.de/politik/cannabis-alkohol-drogenbeauftragter-konsum-ab-18-ampel-rausch-zr-92795857.html |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=www.merkur.de |language=de}}</ref>
*'''At 16''' – Minors are allowed to consume and possess undistilled (fermented) alcoholic beverages, such as [[beer]] and [[wine]] in public places, bars or restaurants without their parents or a Custodian. ''(§ 9 JuSchG (1) 2)''.
*'''At 18''' – Having become adults, people are allowed access to [[distilled beverage|distilled spirits]], beverages containing distilled spirits, and food products containing non-negligible amounts of distilled spirits. ''(§ 9 JuSchG (1) 1)''.

Those limits do not apply to married adolescents. ''(§ 1 JuSchG (5))''.

=== Debate on raising the drinking age ===
Because of [[moral panic]] involving excessive alcohol use among minors (a 16-year-old boy died after having consumed 45 shots of [[tequila]] in a bar in early 2007),<ref>{{cite news|last=Korinth|first=Nadja|title=Attitudes to alcohol in Europe/Germany|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7093143.stm|publisher=BBC News|accessdate=17 September 2013|date=13 November 2007}}</ref> some people demanded that the drinking age be raised. Most politicians, however, spoke against that notion, pointing out instead that such use was already forbidden according to current laws, which simply needed to be enforced.<ref>{{cite news|last=Springer|first=Axel|title=In Baden-Württemberg gilt nachts Alkoholverbot|url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article6609694/In-Baden-Wuerttemberg-gilt-nachts-Alkoholverbot.html|newspaper=Die Welt|date=March 2010 |accessdate=17 September 2013}}</ref> In [[Germany]], alcohol consumption is traditional and very much publicly accepted compared to most other countries.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Ryan|first=Rachel|title=The Highs and Lows of Germany's Drinking Culture|url=https://www.dw.com/en/the-highs-and-lows-of-germanys-drinking-culture/a-2226609|publisher=dw.com|accessdate=30 July 2020}}</ref>

A study by the [[RWI Essen]] found a correlation between reaching the age of 16 and then starting to consume significantly more alcohol and committing more crimes.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2021-12-14|title=Alkohol und kriminelle Jugendlichen: Studie entdeckt erstaunlichen Zusammenhang|url=https://www.morgenpost.de/vermischtes/article234085211/alkohol-straftat-jugendliche-wein-bier-studie-sucht.html|access-date=2022-01-29|website=www.morgenpost.de|language=de-DE}}</ref>

The {{ill|Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen|de}} (German Centre for Addiction Issues) recommends raising the drinking age for all alcoholic beverages in Germany to 18 years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pötschke-Langer |first1=Martina |last2=Seitz |first2=Helmut K. |last3=Gaßmann |first3=Raphael |title=Kein Alkohol unter 18: Jahren Positionspapier der Deutschen Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen |trans-title="No alcohol under the age of 18: Position paper of German Centre for Addiction Issues" |url=https://www.dhs.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/dhs-stellungnahmen/2018-06_KeinAlkoholUnter18_deutsch.pdf |website=Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen |access-date=28 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119112550/https://www.dhs.de/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/dhs-stellungnahmen/2018-06_KeinAlkoholUnter18_deutsch.pdf |archive-date=19 January 2022 |language=de |date=2 July 2015 |url-status=live |author1-link=Martina Pötschke-Langer }}</ref>

The [[German Cancer Research Center]] calls for raising the drinking age in Germany to a uniform 18 years for all types of alcoholic beverages.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Erhöhtes Krebsrisiko: Experten fordern Alkoholverbot bis 18 Jahre |url=https://www.stern.de/gesundheit/alkoholatlas-2022--erhoehtes-krebsrisiko---experten-fordern-alkohol-ab-18-jahren-32717638.html |access-date=2022-11-28 |website=stern.de |date=12 September 2022 |language=de}}</ref>

In a representative survey conducted on [[YouGov]] in 2015, a majority of the 1252 participants were in favor of raising the minimum age for light alcoholic beverages in Germany to 18.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Matthias|date=2015-10-28|title=Mehrheit: Bier und Wein erst ab 18 - genau wie Wählen|url=https://yougov.de/news/2015/10/28/mehrheit-bier-und-wein-erst-ab-18-genau-wie-wahlen/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-28|website=[[YouGov]]|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220162040/https://yougov.de/news/2015/10/28/mehrheit-bier-und-wein-erst-ab-18-genau-wie-wahlen/ |archive-date=20 February 2016 }}</ref>

In a survey conducted by the [[Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk|MDR]], 85% of the approximately 19,000 participants were in favor of a general ban on the sale of alcohol to under-18-year-olds in Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-09-19 |title=Befragung: Mehrheit befürwortet Alkoholverkauf ab 18 Jahren {{!}} MDR.DE |url=https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/deutschland/gesellschaft/mdrfragt-umfrage-alkohol-verkauf-schule-100.html |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=www.mdr.de |language=de}}</ref>

[[Burkhard Blienert]], Federal Government Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues since 2022, spoke on the subject of the drinking age in Germany and is in favor of raising it to 18 for all types of alcoholic beverages and abolishing the regulation of "begleitetes Trinken" ("accompanied drinking") from 14 years of age.<ref>{{Cite web |last=tagesschau.de |title=Drogenbauftragter für Alkoholkauf erst ab 18 |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/erwerbsalter-alkohol-drogenbeauftragter-101.html |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de}}</ref>

=== Enforcement ===
[[File:Jugendschutz Alkohol 01.jpg|thumb|right|Police operation in Bensheim (Hesse). Several young people have to dispose of illegally obtained alcoholic beverages in the sewers, because they have not reached the required age limit.]]

In 2008, the federal state of [[Lower Saxony]] started a series of [[Sting operation|trap purchases]], conducted by specially trained police cadets, aged 16 or 17, who pose as customers. In 77% of all tests alcohol was sold illegally in shops, filling stations and kiosks. In 2009, about 3000 trap purchases were carried out in Lower Saxony, in 1327 cases (44%) alcohol was sold without age verification to underage persons. Hundreds of summary proceedings led to administrative fines ranging from 500 to 3000 euros. The standard rate for the illegal sale of one bottle of spirits is 1500 euros. Thus, alcohol trap purchases bring a return of around €2 million annually. Other German states, especially [[Schleswig-Holstein]], are considering implementing the Lower Saxony model, but states like [[Berlin]], [[Brandenburg]], [[Saxony-Anhalt]], [[Thuringia]] and [[Baden-Württemberg]] object to it.

Violation of restraints will involve prosecution for vendors who sell alcohol to underage persons and also for bystanders who do not intervene in underage drinking. Although restrictions are nationwide and well-known, some salespersons violate the law at times. Minors themselves can never be prosecuted for alcohol consumption under age. Supermarkets and stores generally check minors for their identity card. The law is less thoroughly enforced in many bars and restaurants, but this can vary by location.

=== Fines for violation ===

Under the ''Protection of Young Persons Act'' selling, furnishing and supplying alcoholic beverages in licensed premises, at points of sales or elsewhere in public by a person over the age of 18 years to a person under the required age limits is considered a misdemeanor. Violation can result in fines up to €50,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jugendschutzgesetz (JuSchG) - § 28 Bußgeldvorschriften|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/juschg/__28.html|publisher=Bundesamt für Justiz und Verbraucherschutz|accessdate=30 July 2020}}</ref>

The "Bußgeldkatalog" of each state sets the possible fines for each violation of the act and varies slightly by state. In the state of Baden-Württemberg the Bußgeldkatalog for violation against the "Protection of Young Persons Act" provides following fines:<ref name="Bußgeldkatalog JuSchG">{{cite web|url=https://www.freiburg.de/pb/site/Freiburg/get/params_E1701710602/518191/Bugeldkatalog%20fr%20Verste%20nach%20dem%20Jugendschutzgesetz.pdf|title=Bußgeldkatalog für Verstöße nach dem Jugendschutzgesetz (JuSchG)|publisher=Ministerium für Arbeit und Soziales|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Misdemeanor !! Law !! Possible fine (retailer & business operator) !! Standard fine (retailer & business operator) !! Possible fine (other) !! Standard fine (other)
|-
| Selling or serving spirits or food products, containing more than insignificant quantities of spirits, to a child under 14 years of age || § 9 Sec. 1 JuSchG || €1,000 - €4,000 || €3,000 || €300 - €1,000 || €500 
|-
| Selling or serving spirits or food products, containing more than insignificant quantities of spirits, to a young person over the age of 14 but under the age of 18 years || § 9 Sec. 1 JuSchG || €700 - €3,500 || €2,000 || €100 - €500 || €300
|-
| Selling or serving beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine or mixtures of beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine and soft drinks,  to a child under 14 years of age || § 9 Sec. 1 JuSchG || €700 - €3,500 || €2,500 || €100 - €500 || €300
|-
| Selling or serving beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine or mixtures of beer, wine, wine-like beverages or sparkling wine and soft drinks,  to an unaccompanied young person over 14 years but under 16 years of age || § 9 Sec. 1 JuSchG || €500 - €3,000 || €2,000 || €100 - €500 || €300
|}

== Other legislation ==
=== Alcohol consumption in public ===
[[File:Alkoholverbot Nikolaistraße Göttingen.jpg|thumb|upright|Alcohol ban in Göttingen's Nikolaistraße]]
Public parties are prohibited nationally on [[Good Friday]], and regionally on other holidays such as [[All Saints' Day]]. Buying alcohol remains possible at these times. The government maintains the right to restrict or ban the sale of alcohol for a certain time to maintain public order (§ 19 GastG).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gastg/__19.html|title=Gaststättengesetz - § 19 Verbot des Ausschanks alkoholischer Getränke|publisher=juris GmbH|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>

Beyond this, Germany has very few restrictions on alcohol consumption in public. Exceptions are sometimes made in the context of [[association football|football (soccer)]] matches involving rival teams, where police executives may ban the sale of alcoholic drinks inside stadiums and deny entrance to drunk people. In 2009, the private railway company [[Metronom Eisenbahngesellschaft|Metronom]], which operates in parts of Northern Germany, introduced a much-discussed complete ban on alcohol onboard their trains.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.kreiszeitung.de/nachrichten/lokales/niedersachsen/metronom-alkoholverbot-sonntag-niedersachsen-528447.html|title= Ban on alcohol: Metronom takes actions |author= |date= 14 November 2009|publisher= kreiszeitung.de|accessdate= 9 November 2011}}</ref> Some cities have banned alcohol consumption in certain areas and at certain times, such as [[Göttingen]] in Nikolaistraße on Saturdays and Sundays between 00:00 and 08:00, or in [[Hannover Hauptbahnhof]] (outside the existing bars and restaurants) until 2011 when the ban was repealed.

Until 2009, it was acceptable for employees in many fields of work (especially builders, gardeners and manual labourers) to consume medium quantities of alcohol during work hours. However, occupational safety legislation has since tightened down and has induced a significant decrease of alcohol consumption during working hours.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corral|first=Antonio|title=Use of alcohol and drugs at the workplace|url=http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/comparative-information/use-of-alcohol-and-drugs-at-the-workplace|publisher=European Working Conditions Observatory|accessdate=19 September 2013}}</ref>

=== Drinking and driving ===
Germany has laws regarding operation of motor vehicles under the influence of alcohol and other psychoactive substances. There are a series of different rules and penalties tied to various blood alcohol levels.

* 0.0‰ for those under the age of 21 or with less than two years' experience, professional drivers, bus drivers, lorry drivers, and drivers transporting passengers commercially;
* 0.3‰ in conjunction with an accident or traffic offense;
* 0.5‰ otherwise. 
* 1.6‰ for cyclists, where not in conjunction with any other traffic offense or accident. From 1.6‰, cyclists face the same penalties as driving a car at that limit.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mz-web.de/politik/alkohol-im-strassenverkehr-promille-grenze-fuer-radfahrer-bleibt-bei-1-6-3063062 |title=Alkohol im Straßenverkehr Promille-Grenze für Radfahrer bleibt bei 1,6 |work=[[Mitteldeutsche Zeitung]] |date=8 November 2013}}</ref>

Penalties start at a €500 fine and one-month licence suspension. Above 0.11%, the penalty is a €500 fine and the withdrawal of the driving licence for at least six months, but usually about one year (penalty is set by the court); from 0.16%, reissue of the licence requires a successful [[Medical-psychological assessment (Germany)|medical-psychological assessment]] (MPU), often referred to as the ''Idiotentest'' ("idiot test"). For violators above 1.1‰ within ten years of a prior offence above 0.5‰, there is a minimum €{{val|1000}} fine and a one-year licence withdrawal; the driver has to successfully pass an MPU and is required to prove to the court that they have been sober for the last twelve months, before they can get their licence back. For repeat offenses, the fine is multiplied by the ordinal of the offence (doubled, tripled, etc.), regardless of the amount by which the driver was over the limit. These minimum penalties are usually exceeded by the German courts. From 1.1‰, the courts usually also require the DUI offender to do unpaid community service.

The same rules for operating an automobile while intoxicated also apply to [[Motorized scooter|electric kick scooters]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.focus.de/panorama/der-massakriert-sich-gleich-selbst-fahrt-mit-e-scooter-wird-zum-horror-trip-9000-euro-strafe-und-fuehrerschein-entzogen_id_107941231.html |title=Fahrt mit E-Scooter wird zum Horror-Trip: 9000 Euro Strafe und Führerschein entzogen |date=4 June 2022 |first=Göran |last=Schattauer |work=[[Focus (German magazine)|Focus]] |access-date=7 November 2022 }}</ref>

In addition to fines, impaired drivers are generally given [[Point system (driving)|points]] in the ''Fahreignungsregister'' ("driving aptitude register", colloquially ''Verkehrssünderkartei'', "traffic sinner index"), which is managed by the ''Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt'' ("[[Federal Motor Transport Authority]]") in [[Flensburg]].

It is legal to consume alcohol while driving, provided the driver remains under the legal blood alcohol limits.<ref name=ams>{{cite news |url=https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/rechts-irrtuemer-verkehr-2016-bussgeld-strafe/ |title=28 Irrtümer im deutschen Straßenverkehr: Bier am Steuer, Handy am Ohr - Was ist erlaubt? |work=[[Auto motor und sport]] |date=25 September 2017 |first=Gregor |last=Hebermehl |accessdate=16 May 2018 }}</ref>

=== Licensing laws ===
==== Off premises ====
Germany does not require any licenses for the production, wholesale, or retail sale of alcoholic beverages.<ref name=eurocaregermany>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurocare.org/resources/country_profiles/germany |title=Country Profile: Germany |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=<!-- n.d. --> |website=eurocare.org |publisher=[[Eurocare]] (European Alcohol Policy Alliance) |accessdate=2014-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026143923/http://www.eurocare.org/resources/country_profiles/germany |archive-date=2014-10-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=ecreport>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_projects/1998/promotion/fp_promotion_1998_a01_27_en.pdf |title=Alcohol Policies in EU Member States and Norway |editor1-last=Österberg |editor1-first=Esa |editor2-last=Karlsson |editor2-first=Thomas |date=2003 |website=ec.europa.eu |publisher=[[European Commission]] |page=197 |accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref>

==== On premises ====
The permit is not required if alcohol-free beverages, free samples, prepared food is sold or administered or in connection with an accommodation establishment beverages and prepared food is delivered to residents.<ref name=2GastG>{{cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gastg/__2.html |title=§2 GastG |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=gesetze-im-internet.de |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection) |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref> Every other establishment which does not apply to this scheme requires a ''{{Interlanguage link multi|Gaststättenkonzession|de}}''. A [[liquor license]] is generally required when alcoholic beverages are served or sold for consumption on premises.

===== Rules and regulations =====
On-licence premises have to place a clearly legible notice with the restrictions of the Protection of Young Persons Act ''(Jugendschutzgesetz)''<ref name=3GastG>{{cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/juschg/__3.html |title=§3 GastG |date=n.d. |website=gesetze-im-internet.de |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection) |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref> and the bartender must ensure that alcoholic beverages may not be sold or served to underage or visibly intoxicated persons.<ref name=20GastG>{{cite web |url=http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gastg/__20.html |title=§20 GastG |date=n.d. |website=gesetze-im-internet.de |publisher=Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection) |accessdate=26 October 2014}}</ref> Operator of a licensed premises are not allowed to force their customers to buy a meal with a drink or change prices if a customer does not order a meal. Changing prices if a customer does not buy an alcoholic drink is also against the law, and every licensee must ensure that there is at least one non alcoholic drink that is cheaper than the cheapest alcoholic drink.<ref name=20GastG/>

===== Closing hours =====
[[Last call (bar term)|Closing hours]] for bars and [[discotheque]]s are appointed mostly by state legislation. Within the past ten years, many states have abolished the closing hours for licensed establishments. Most states have retained the so-called ''Putzstunde'' ("Cleaning hour"), which refers to the 1–2 hours (usually between 5 AM and 6 AM) during which licensed premises are not allowed to serve their customers.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! rowspan=2 style="width:15%;"| Federal state
! rowspan=2 style="width:15%;"| City/Municipality
! rowspan=2 style="width:30%;"| Closing hours
! rowspan=2 style="width:40%;"| Notes
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Federal Republic of Germany}} (federal law)
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center;"| States have the right to set closing hours for licensed establishments (§ 18 GastG). Under federal law, it is illegal to serve customers outside of the establishment after 10 PM, or 11 PM with permission of the city (Gaststättengesetz).
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Baden-Württemberg}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Monday-Thursday:''' 3 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Friday & Weekend:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Spa Town:''' 2 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Gambling establishments:''' 12 AM - 6 AM<ref name="BW">{{cite web|url=https://www.service-bw.de/leistung/-/sbw/Sperrzeit++Verkuerzung+oder+Aufhebung+beantragen-533-leistung-0|title=Sperrzeit - Verkürzung oder Aufhebung beantragen|publisher=Ministerium für Inneres, Digitalisierung und Migration Baden-Württemberg|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit businesses to apply for an exception to the closing hours.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bavaria}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 5 AM - 6 AM<ref name="Bavaria">{{cite web|url=https://www.eap.bayern.de/informationen/leistungsbeschreibung/44219346620|title=Sperrzeit; Beantragung einer Verlängerung, Verkürzung oder Aufhebung|publisher=Bayerisches Staatsministerium des Innern und für Integration|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
| The closing hours do not apply during the night of 1. January. Cities can permit businesses to apply for an exception to the closing hours.
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Berlin}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Berlin">{{cite news|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/berliner-nachtleben-keine-sperrstunde-fuer-die-simon-dach-strasse/21112736.html|title=Keine Sperrstunde für die Simon-Dach-Straße|newspaper=Der Tagesspiegel Online |publisher=Der Tagesspiegel|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|There is no general closing hour for licensed businesses. However, it is against the law if licensed businesses serve their customers outside after 10 PM without permission of the city, if someone files a complaint.<ref name="Berlin"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Brandenburg}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Brandenburg">{{cite web|url=https://www.brandenburg.de/cms/detail.php/lbm1.c.339585.de|title=Keine Landesregierung hebt Sperrzeitverordnung auf - Brandenburg kann noch gastfreundlicher werden|publisher=Landesregierung Brandenburg
|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|In 2006, the closing hours for licensed businesses were abolished.<ref name="Brandenburg"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Bremen}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 2 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Friday, Weekend & Bank holidays:''' None<br />'''Gambling establishment:''' 2 AM - 6 AM<ref name="Bremen">{{cite web|url=https://www.transparenz.bremen.de/sixcms/detail.php?gsid=bremen2014_tp.c.66827.de&template=20_gp_ifg_meta_detail_d|title=Verordnung zur Ausführung des Bremischen Gaststättengesetzes (Bremische Gaststättenverordnung - BremGastV)|publisher=Die Senatorin für Finanzen der Freien Hansestadt Bremen|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities may permit exceptions.<ref name="Bremen"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Hamburg}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Hamburg">{{cite web|url=https://www.abendblatt.de/hamburg/article107127145/Die-Sperrzeiten-sind-gekippt.html|title=Die Sperrzeiten sind gekippt|date=17 June 2006 |publisher=Hamburger Abendblatt|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|In 2006, the closing hours for licensed businesses were abolished.<ref name="Hamburg"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Hesse}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Amusement parks & Fairs:''' 12 PM - 6 AM<br />'''During carnival, 1. May & 1. January:''' None<ref name="Hesse">{{cite web|url=https://www.ihk-wiesbaden.de/recht/rechtsberatung/Erlaubnisse_fuer_Gewerbetaetigkeiten/Recht_im_Gaststaettengewerbe/1262684#titleInText6|title=Recht im Gaststättengewerbe|publisher=IHK Wiesbaden|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit exceptions to the general closing hours.<ref name="Hesse"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Lower Saxony}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Mecklenburg-Vorpommern}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None
|
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|North Rhine-Westphalia}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br /><ref name="NRW">{{cite web|url=http://www.bento.de/gefuehle/sperrstunde-sinnvoll-doer-nicht-gronau-will-kneipen-frueher-schliessen-1483595/|title=In NRW soll es neue Sperrstunden für eine "gefährliche" Kneipenstraße geben|publisher=bento.de|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit exceptions to the general closing hours.<ref name="NRW"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Rhineland-Palatinate}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br />'''Saturday, Sunday, Bank holiday or Carnival:''' None<br />'''Amusement parks & Fairs:''' 10 PM - 6 AM<br />'''Gambling establishments:''' 12 AM - 6 AM<ref name="Rhineland-Palatinate">{{cite web|url=https://www.rheinhessen.ihk24.de/starthilfe/Gewerberechtliche-Vorschriften/Erlaubnispflichtige-Gewerbe/GUV/GUV6c_sperrzeiten/3167904|title=Welche Sperrzeiten gelten für Rheinland-Pfalz?|publisher=IHK Rheinhessen|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit exceptions to the general closing hours.<ref name="Rhineland-Palatinate"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Saarland}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br />'''1. January:''' None<br />'''Amusement parks & Fairs:''' 10 PM - 7 AM<br />'''Gambling establishments:''' 11 PM - 7 AM<ref name="Saarland">{{cite web|url=http://www.saarheim.de/Gesetze/sgastg.htm|title=Saarländisches Gaststättengesetz (SGastG) Gesetz Nr. 1745 - § 11|publisher=saarheim.de|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit exceptions to the general closing hours.<ref name="Saarland"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Saxony}}
| style="text-align:center;"| '''Generally:''' 5 AM - 6 AM<br />'''1. January, 1. & 2. May:''' None<br />'''Amusement parks, Gambling establishments & Fairs:''' 10 PM - 6 AM<ref name="Saxony">{{cite web|url=https://www.chemnitz.ihk24.de/blob/cihk24/recht_und_steuern/Rechtsinformationen/gewerberecht/1913432/9d806b7550696b12f5f70059df444bb9/Neues_Saechsisches_Gaststaettengesetz_SaechsGastG_ab_15_Juli_20-data.pdf|title=10. Welche Sperrzeiten gelten für Gaststättenbetriebe und Spielhallen
|publisher=chemnitz.ihk24.de|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|Cities can permit exceptions to the general closing hours.<ref name="Saxony"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Saxony-Anhalt}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Saxony-Anhalt">{{cite web|url=https://www.mz-web.de/mitteldeutschland/sachsen-anhalt-land-besteht-nicht-mehr-auf-sperrstunde-3419436|title=Sachsen-Anhalt Land besteht nicht mehr auf Sperrstunde|publisher=mz-web.de|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|The closing hours for licensed establishments was abolished in 2015.<ref name="Saxony-Anhalt"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Schleswig-Holstein}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Schleswig-Holstein">{{cite web|url=https://www.abendblatt.de/region/norddeutschland/article107024196/Schleswig-Holstein-kippt-Sperrstunde.html|title=Schleswig-Holstein kippt Sperrstunde|date=5 August 2005 |publisher=Ina Rometsch, Hamburger Abendblatt|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|The closing hours for licensed establishments was abolished in 2005.<ref name="Schleswig-Holstein"/>
|-
| colspan=2| {{flag|Thuringia}}
| style="text-align:center;"| None<ref name="Thuringia">{{cite web|url=http://www.g-wie-gastro.de/recht-und-steuern/gastrorelevantes-recht/sperrzeiten.html|title=Übersicht der Sperrzeiten nach Bundesländern|publisher=g-wie-gastro.de|accessdate=10 July 2018}}</ref>
|
|}

==See also==
*[[Alcohol belts of Europe]]
*[[Beer in Germany]]
*[[Reinheitsgebot]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Alcohol by countries}}

[[Category:Health law in Germany]]
[[Category:Alcohol law in Germany| ]]
[[Category:Alcohol in Germany]]