Ye olde mulled wine not for the young, drug commissioner warns
Germany’s drug commissioner Mechthild Dyckmans on Friday called on cities and communities to stick to youth protection laws during the Christmas market season and stop young people from drinking the famous mulled wine.
Though they may be full of good cheer, Christmas market organisers and their communities must not bend the rules for youthful holiday revellers, the Free Democrat said.
“Even ahead of Christmas, alcohol still doesn’t belong in the hands of children and youths,“ she said.
According to Dyckmaans, one frequently sees children and teens drinking too much Glühwein, or mulled wine, along with other alcoholic beverages, at the markets.
“Glühwein and punch have a high sugar content and are problematic for children and youths because the strong flavour of alcohol is masked by the sugar,“ she said.
Therefore organisers must ensure that market stands also offer non-alcoholic drinks, she said.
Under German law, vendors cannot serve or sell alcohol to children younger than 16. At 16, Germans are allowed to buy beer, but can’t have spirits until they turn 18.
DPA/ka
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Though they may be full of good cheer, Christmas market organisers and their communities must not bend the rules for youthful holiday revellers, the Free Democrat said.
“Even ahead of Christmas, alcohol still doesn’t belong in the hands of children and youths,“ she said.
According to Dyckmaans, one frequently sees children and teens drinking too much Glühwein, or mulled wine, along with other alcoholic beverages, at the markets.
“Glühwein and punch have a high sugar content and are problematic for children and youths because the strong flavour of alcohol is masked by the sugar,“ she said.
Therefore organisers must ensure that market stands also offer non-alcoholic drinks, she said.
Under German law, vendors cannot serve or sell alcohol to children younger than 16. At 16, Germans are allowed to buy beer, but can’t have spirits until they turn 18.
DPA/ka
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