The human brain is still in the process of development until the age of 18 or 19, and it may be more susceptible to damage than the adult brain. In adolescents who regularly drink alcohol, parts of the brain important in planning and emotional control have been found to be smaller than expected.
Drinking 8-10 units per day over extended time periods results in some mental inefficiency; at 11-14 units per day, deficits (reduced brain capacity) are present; at 18 or more units per day, harm can be of the severity seen in someone diagnosed with alcoholism.
Over the age of 65, performance of mental tasks declines less slowly in light and moderate drinkers. However, light and moderate drinking (defined as an occasional 1-2 units) is often associated with other factors which reduce mental decline, such as physical and social activity, a good diet, and better socio-economic standards.
At advanced age, in residential community homes, a ‘social hour’ with alcohol or a unit of alcohol at bedtime, can improve mental well being. On the other hand, alcohol is also a cause of falls in the elderly because it affects balance.
Among all groups, the proportion of pupils who have ever had an alcoholic drink has decreased again since 2013. However, there has been an increase in the proportion of 13 year old girls and boys who reported being drunk in the past week.
Trends in drinking in the last week, by age and gender (1990-2015)
Long Term Trends
Drinking in the last week has fluctuated since 1990 but has been decreasing, for the most part, since 2002. After a large decrease in prevalence between 2010 and 2013, drinking in the last week has remained unchanged between 2013 and 2015, with the exception of a small decrease among 15 year old boys: 19% drank in the last week in 2013, compared with 16% in 2015.
At 14 you can go into a pub, accompanied by an adult that has a children’s certificate but can’t drink alcohol and must stay in the garden or family room.
Under 16 you can go into a pub if accompanied by an adult but can not drink alcohol.
At 16 or 17 and accompanied by an alcohol, you can drink but not by beer, wine and cider with a table meal.
It’s illegal for children under five to drink alcohol at home or on a private premises.
Between 5-18 you can legally drink alcohol at home, at a friend’s house of other private premises.
Selling alcohol to someone under 18 can lead to a maximum fine of £10,000 for bar staff/managers.
It is against the law to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.
Drinking in public
Some towns have alcohol-free-zones. If caught drinking there, alcohol can be confiscated. If under 18, alcohol can be confiscated and you can be fined or arrested.
For more information on the laws on alcohol, visit: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/17/contents#pt7-pb4.