Short Answer: The legal age to Drink in Singapore is 18 years old.
Singapore Drinking Age: What to Know
The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18 years old. This means that only individuals who are 18 years old or older are allowed to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Singapore. A drink is considered an alcoholic beverage if it contains at least 0.5% alcohol by mass or volume.
If you are under 18 years old and you are caught buying or drinking alcohol, you may face a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both. If you are a seller or a supplier of alcohol and you sell or supply alcohol to a person under 18 years old, you may face a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
Penalties for Underage Drinking and Selling Alcohol to Minors
Apart from the legal drinking age, some other laws and regulations govern the consumption and supply of alcohol in Singapore. If you violate these laws, you may face severe penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or license suspension. Some of the common offences and penalties are:
- Drinking in public places between 10.30 pm and 7 am: You may face a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offence and up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to three months, or both, for subsequent offences.
- Drinking in licensed premises after the permitted hours: You may face a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. The licensee may also face a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, and the license may be suspended or revoked.
- Drinking in liquor control zones (Little India and Geylang) during prohibited hours: You may face a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offence and up to $2,000 or imprisonment of up to three months or both for subsequent offences. The prohibited hours are from 10.30 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday and from 7 pm on the eve of a public holiday to 7 am on the day after the public holiday.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: You may face a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, and a mandatory disqualification from driving for at least 12 months for the first offence and up to $20,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and a mandatory disqualification from driving for at least 24 months for subsequent offences. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
Restrictions on Alcohol Availability and Licensing in Singapore
Besides the legal drinking age and the penalties, there are also some restrictions on where and when you can drink alcohol in Singapore. These restrictions are meant to maintain public order and safety and to prevent alcohol-related problems. Some of the limits are:
- No drinking in public places between 10.30 pm and 7 am: This applies to all public areas in Singapore, such as parks, beaches, playgrounds, bus stops, and void decks. During this period, you can only drink in private areas, such as your home, hotel room, or private function room.
- No drinking in licensed premises after the permitted hours: This applies to all licensed premises in Singapore, such as bars, restaurants, clubs, and pubs. The permitted hours vary depending on the type and location of the premises, but generally, they are from 6 am to 12 am or up to 2 am for some premises. You can check the specific hours for each premises on the Liquor Licensing Board website.
- No drinking in liquor control zones during prohibited hours applies to two designated areas in Singapore, Little India and Geylang. These areas are known for their high concentration of liquor outlets and alcohol-related incidents, and hence, they have stricter rules on alcohol consumption. The prohibited hours are from 10.30 pm on Friday to 7 am on Monday and from 7 pm on the eve of a public holiday to 7 am on the day after the public holiday. You can only drink on licensed premises within these zones during the permitted hours.
Underage Drinking
The impact of underage drinking on youth and society cannot be overstated. Recent data reveals that a significant number of young adults in Singapore engage in binge drinking, a habit that can have dire consequences, ranging from health risks to social issues. It’s a pressing concern that calls for awareness and preventive measures.
To prevent and reduce underage drinking, the government and various agencies have implemented multiple measures, such as:
- Raising the legal drinking age to 18 years old in 2015.
- Enforcing the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act since 2015.
- Conducting public education and awareness campaigns, such as the “Drink Sensibly” campaign by the Health Promotion Board.
- We are providing support and treatment services for young people with alcohol problems, such as the National Addictions Management Service by the Institute of Mental Health.
Therefore, if you are under 18 years old, you should not drink alcohol in Singapore, as it is illegal and harmful. If you are 18 years old or older, you should drink sensibly and responsibly and seek help if you have any alcohol-related issues.
Conclusion
Understanding the legal drinking age in Singapore is crucial to adhering to the country’s laws and regulations surrounding alcohol consumption. As of now, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Responsible alcohol consumption not only ensures compliance with the law but also safeguards the well-being of individuals.
(FAQs)
Q: What is the legal drinking age in Singapore?
A: The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18 years old. This means that only those aged 18 and above will be able to buy and consume alcoholic beverages in premises licensed to sell alcohol (such as restaurants and supermarkets) in Singapore.
Q: Can you drink alcohol in public in Singapore?
A: You can drink alcohol in public in Singapore, but only during certain hours. The consumption of liquor is not allowed in all public places from 10.30 pm to 7 am every day.
Q: How much alcohol can you bring into Singapore?
A: You can bring up to 3 litres of alcohol into Singapore without paying duty as long as you are 18 years old or older and have spent at least 48 hours outside Singapore before your arrival. You can also buy duty-free alcohol at the airport but must declare it at the customs checkpoint.
Q: What are the penalties for drink-driving in Singapore?
A: Drink-driving is a severe offence in Singapore, and the penalties depend on the alcohol level in your blood or breath. If you are caught with more than 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, you may face a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to 12 months, and a driving ban of at least 12 months for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the penalties are higher and may include mandatory caning.
Q: What are the health effects of alcohol consumption in Singapore?
A: Alcohol consumption can have various health effects, both short-term and long-term. Short-term effects include impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction time, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Long-term effects include liver disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental disorders. The current recommended limit for regular alcohol consumption in Singapore is two standard drinks a day for men and one traditional drink a day for women.
Q: How can I get help for alcohol addiction in Singapore?
A: If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, you can seek help from various sources in Singapore. You can call the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) helpline at 6-RECOVER (6732 6837) for counselling and referral services. You can also visit the NAMS website for information on treatment options and support groups.
Q: How can I drink responsibly in Singapore?
A: Drinking responsibly means drinking moderately and sensibly and being aware of the consequences of your actions. You can drink responsibly in Singapore by following these tips:
- Know your limit and stick to it. Do not drink more than the recommended amount of alcohol per day.
- Drink slowly and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks. This will help you stay hydrated and reduce the effects of alcohol.
- Eat before and while drinking. This will slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent you from getting drunk too quickly.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with drugs or medication. This can cause unpredictable and dangerous reactions.
- Plan and arrange for a safe way home. Do not drive or ride a motorcycle after drinking. Use public transport, call a taxi, or ask a sober friend to take you home.
- Look out for yourself and your friends. Do not leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Do not let your friends drink and drive or get into trouble.
Q: What are the benefits of not drinking alcohol in Singapore?
A: Not drinking alcohol can benefit your health, well-being, and wallet. Some of the benefits of not drinking alcohol in Singapore are:
- You will save money. Alcohol can be expensive in Singapore, especially in bars and clubs. By not drinking alcohol, you can save up for other things that matter to you.
- You will have more energy and better sleep. Alcohol can interfere with your sleep quality and make you feel tired and sluggish the next day. By not drinking alcohol, you can enjoy a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and alert.
- You will have a lower risk of diseases and injuries. Alcohol can damage your liver, heart, brain, and other organs and increase your risk of various cancers and chronic diseases. Alcohol can also impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time and increase your risk of accidents and injuries. By not drinking alcohol, you can protect your health and safety.
- You will have better relationships and social skills. Alcohol can affect your mood, behaviour, and personality and cause you to say or do things that you may regret later. Alcohol can also make you more prone to conflicts, arguments, and violence. By not drinking alcohol, you can communicate more effectively, respect others, and avoid unnecessary problems.
Q: What are some alternatives to drinking alcohol in Singapore?
A: There are many alternatives to drinking alcohol in Singapore, whether you are looking for something to drink, something to do, or something to celebrate. Some of the other options for drinking alcohol in Singapore are:
- Drink non-alcoholic beverages. There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages that you can enjoy in Singapore, such as mocktails, juices, smoothies, teas, coffees, and sodas. You can also try local drinks like Bandung, Milo Dino, Teh Tarik, and Sugar Cane Juice.
- Do fun and healthy activities. There are many fun and healthy activities that you can do in Singapore, such as sports, games, hobbies, arts, and culture. You can also explore Singapore’s various attractions, parks, museums, and galleries.
- Celebrate with food and gifts. There are many ways to celebrate without alcohol in Singapore, such as eating delicious food, giving thoughtful gifts, or throwing a party. You can also celebrate different cultures and traditions, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas.
Q: How can I say no to alcohol in Singapore?
A: Saying no to alcohol can be challenging, especially if you are under peer pressure or social expectations. However, you have the right to choose whether or not to drink alcohol, and you should not feel obliged or forced to do so. You can say no to alcohol in Singapore by using these tips:
- Be confident and assertive. Say no firmly and clearly, and do not resist pressure or persuasion. You do not need to explain or justify your decision, but you can if you want to.
- Be polite and respectful. Say no with a smile and a positive tone, and do not offend or judge others who choose to drink. You can also thank them for their offer or invitation and show appreciation.
- Be prepared, and have a plan. Anticipate situations where you may be offered or tempted to drink alcohol and think of ways to avoid or handle them. You can also have a support person or an exit strategy if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.