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How old do you have to be to buy alcohol in Danish shops?

Two age limits for alcohol in shops

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Short answer

18+ topic. In Danish shops, drinks with 1.2 % alcohol or more may not be sold to anyone under 16. Since 1 April 2025, drinks with more than 6 % alcohol may not be sold to anyone under 18; before that the 18-year limit applied from 16.5 %. In designated nightlife zones, drinks with 1.2 % alcohol or more may not be sold to people under 18 between 22.00 and 08.00. A seller must ask for photo ID if in doubt about the customer’s age.

Practical info

Why

  1. The limit is 16 for drinks from 1.2 % to 6 %.
  2. The limit is 18 for drinks over 6 %.
  3. Nightlife zones have an 18-year rule at night.

Details

Nightlife zones are designated by the police under the Danish Police Act.

Tip

Check the percentage on the label: a strong beer over 6 % falls under the 18-year rule.

What may differ

Rules for serving alcohol in bars and restaurants follow separate rules and can be stricter than in shops.

Common misconception

Many still think that 16-year-olds can buy wine in Danish shops.

What actually happens

Since 1 April 2025 anything over 6 % alcohol requires age 18 in shops.

People also ask

  • How old do you have to be to buy tobacco in Denmark?
  • What is the drinking age in Danish bars?
  • Can you drink alcohol in public in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Laws, fines and rules can change, so check the Danish authorities before you travel.

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