Rules regarding alcohol
- The legal age requirement to buy alcohol in the Netherlands is 18.
- Being visibly (and disruptively) drunk in public is considered an offence.
- Mildly alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and low alcohol content spirits can be sold in supermarkets and licensed liquor stores.
- Petrol stations are not allowed to sell alcoholic drinks.
- The sale of stronger drinks (spirits with an alcohol content higher than 15%) is restricted to licensed liquor stores.
- It’s an offence for adults to give minors alcohol in publicly accessible places, like bars, restaurants and festivals.
- Drinking and carrying open bottles in public areas (basically areas that are not a private residence or a bar, restaurant, etc.) is also illegal.
cycling while drunk
If you’re cycling home after a night out, your legal drinking limit is approximately two glasses, or 0.5 BAC. If you go over this, you could get a fine or a driving ban for a few hours. The fine is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Public nuisance
There are large fines imposed for being visibly and disruptively drunk in public. Some examples are mentioned below.
- Urinating in public: €140
- Making too much noise (loud music or shouting): €140
- Drinking in public: €140
- Being obviously drunk in public: €90
- Insulting a police officer: €300 or more
