Of course, children are naturally curious, so theyвЂ™ll probably ask you questions if they see you drinking and want to try some. This could send mixed messages about whether they are or arenвЂ™t allowed to drink. It may be tempting to offer your child a sip of alcohol on special occasions so they donвЂ™t feel left out. But thereвЂ™s no scientific evidence to prove this gives children a responsible attitude to drinking in later life 3.

ThereвЂ™s lots of debate about whether itвЂ™s OK to let children have a small amount of alcohol to try вЂ“ some people call this the continental approach. The UK chief medical officers recommend that anВ alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. How much is too much for under 18s to drink? We strongly advise an alcohol-free childhood, as recommended by the Chief Medical Officers. For a child aged five to 16 to drink alcohol at home or on other private premises.For someone over 18 to buy a child over 16 beer, wine or cider if they are eating a table meal together in licensed premises.To give children alcohol if they are under five.For an adult to buy alcohol for someone under 18 for consumption on licensed premises, except as above.In this case it is legal for them to drink, but not buy, beer, wine and cider with a table meal. For someone under 18 to drink alcohol in licensed premises, except where the child is 16 or 17 years old and accompanied by an adult.For someone under 18 to buy alcohol, attempt to buy alcohol or to be sold alcohol.(Retailers can reserve the right to refuse the sale of alcohol to an adult if theyвЂ™re accompanied by a child and think the alcohol is being bought for the child.) For an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.To sell alcohol to someone under 18 anywhere.For more information, please refer to gov.uk. What does the law say?ДЄlcohol consumption in the UK is governed by strict laws. The UK Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recommends that an alcohol-free childhood is the healthiest and best option. ItвЂ™s a reminder of the potential consequence of drinking alcohol underage. The law isnвЂ™t simply about knowing right from wrong. Being clear on the law around alcohol is important - for both parents and children.

Is wine safe for children