What Is the Drinking Age in Portugal? Alcohol Laws Explained

As a travel blogger, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What is the legal drinking age in Portugal?” As a country known for its wine and port, it’s no surprise that many people want to know the ins and outs of the drinking laws in Portugal. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about drinking laws, purchase laws, driving laws, and more in Portugal.

Introduction

Before we dive into the specifics of Portugal’s drinking laws, let’s talk a little bit about Portugal’s drinking culture. Portugal has a long and proud history of wine making, with vineyards producing some of the best wines in the world. In addition to wine, Portugal is also known for its port, a fortified wine that is typically served as a dessert wine. It’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying a glass of wine or port with their meals, and many restaurants offer an extensive wine list.

What is the legal drinking age in Portugal?

In Portugal, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. This means that anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to purchase or consume alcohol in public. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

Drinking with a meal: In Portugal, it is legal for anyone under the age of 18 to consume alcohol if they are having a meal with their parents or legal guardians.
Parental consent: If a minor is over 16 years old, they can consume beer or wine if they have parental consent.

Drinking laws in Portugal

It’s important to know that Portugal has strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in Portugal is 0.05%. If you are caught driving with a BAC over this limit, you can face fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and even imprisonment.

If you’re caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may also be required to attend a mandatory rehabilitation program. In addition to driving laws, there are also open container laws in Portugal. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a public place, and you can face fines if you’re caught drinking in public.

Purchasing alcohol in Portugal

To purchase alcohol in Portugal, you must be at least 18 years old. This applies to both buying alcohol in stores and in bars and restaurants. It’s also important to note that there are time restrictions on purchasing alcohol in Portugal. You can’t purchase alcohol between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am, except in bars and nightclubs.

Drinking culture in Portugal

Now that we’ve covered the legal aspects of drinking in Portugal, let’s talk about the drinking culture. In Portugal, drinking is a social activity that is often enjoyed with food. It’s common to see locals enjoying a glass of wine or a beer with their meals, and many restaurants offer an extensive wine list.

In addition to wine and beer, Portugal is also known for its port. This fortified wine is typically served as a dessert wine and is a popular after-dinner drink. In addition to drinking, Portugal is also known for its coffee culture. Locals often enjoy a cup of coffee or espresso with their meals, and you can find cafes on almost every street corner.

When it comes to nightlife, Portugal has a vibrant club scene. Lisbon and Porto are both known for their nightlife, with many bars and clubs staying open until the early hours of the morning. However, it’s important to remember that drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced in Portugal, so it’s best to plan ahead if you plan on drinking and partying.

Tips for Drinking In Portugal

If you plan on visiting Portugal and enjoying its drinking culture, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to make the most of your experience:

1. Pace yourself

Portugal is known for its delicious wines and ports, but it’s important to remember to pace yourself. Drinking too much too quickly can lead to a rough night and a bad hangover. Instead, take your time and savor each sip.

2. Try the local wines and ports

One of the best things about Portugal is its wine culture. Be sure to try some of the local wines and ports, as they are some of the best in the world. You can find them in restaurants and wine shops, and many vineyards offer tastings and tours.

3. Be respectful of the drinking culture

While it’s fine to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your meal, it’s important to remember to be respectful of the drinking culture. Drinking to excess or getting rowdy in public is frowned upon in Portugal. Instead, enjoy your drinks in moderation and be mindful of those around you.

4. Plan ahead

If you plan on drinking and partying, it’s important to plan ahead. Make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take a taxi or public transportation. Don’t risk driving under the influence of alcohol, as the consequences can be severe.

5. Enjoy the coffee culture

In addition to its wine culture, Portugal is also known for its coffee culture. Be sure to try some of the local coffee and espresso, as it’s some of the best in the world. You can find cafes on almost every street corner, and many of them serve delicious pastries and snacks as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to drink in public in Portugal?

No, it is not legal to drink in public in Portugal. It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a public place, and you can face fines if you’re caught drinking in public.

Can I purchase alcohol in stores on Sundays in Portugal?

Yes, you can purchase alcohol in stores on Sundays in Portugal. However, there are time restrictions on purchasing alcohol. You can’t purchase alcohol between the hours of 9 pm and 8 am, except in bars and nightclubs.

Can I bring alcohol into Portugal from another country?

Yes, you can bring alcohol into Portugal from another country, but there are limits on how much you can bring. You can bring up to 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine, and 16 liters of beer per person.

What is the legal drinking age for beer and wine in Portugal?

If a minor is over 16 years old, they can consume beer or wine if they have parental consent. However, the legal drinking age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in public is 18 years old.

Are there any alcohol-free options in Portugal?

Yes, there are plenty of alcohol-free options in Portugal. Many restaurants and cafes offer non-alcoholic drinks like soda, juice, and coffee.

Conclusion

Portugal is a country with a rich wine and port culture, and it’s no surprise that many people want to know the ins and outs of the drinking laws in Portugal. As we’ve discussed in this article, the legal drinking age in Portugal is 18 years old, and there are strict laws regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, there are time restrictions on purchasing alcohol in Portugal, and it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a public place.

However, despite the strict laws, Portugal is a country where drinking is enjoyed as a social activity, often accompanied by food. It’s a place where you can savor each sip of local wine and port, and where you can relax and enjoy the coffee culture in a cozy café. As with any culture, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of those around you, and to plan ahead if you plan on drinking and partying.

Overall, Portugal is a wonderful place to visit for its food, wine, and coffee culture, and it’s important to know the drinking laws and customs to make the most of your experience. So, whether you’re sipping a glass of port in a cozy wine bar or enjoying an espresso in a lively café, make sure to enjoy yourself responsibly and soak up all that Portugal has to offer.

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Alex Knoch

I like to travel and I've traveled in every way possible. I've traveled by flying in planes, riding and hopping trains, road trips, joining van life, and I've even hitchhiked across the United States a couple of times. Now my goal is to make it easier for anyone to travel and experience the world by sharing with you the best travel tips, gear, and destinations out there. Find my other websites and socials at AlexKnoch.com.