This figure is worrying to say the least. Over 80 % of 17 -year -old French teenagers have already consumed alcohol. And yet the law is formal: the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited to minors. But between theory and reality, there is a chasm. To explain this figure, the role of establishments selling alcohol can be pointed out. Indeed, in 2025 again, buying drink when you are under 18 years of age remains disconcerting ease.
An investigation shows that almost 9 out of 10 shops do not check age
A vast survey by addictions France in the metropolises of Nantes, Angers and Rennes revealed that 86 % of large areas tested have agreed to sell alcohol to minors. And in bars, same observation. The absence of controls seems to represent the standard.
Despite a slight improvement compared to 2021, the sale rate increased from 93 % to 86 %, the situation remains bad.
“”The law is not respected simply because there is no control“Land on Myriam Savy, advocacy director at Addictions France, questioned by France Inter.”We questioned the debitants and they know that the ban applies, but as they know that there is no sanction, there is a feeling of impunity“.
Even the brands already targeted by legal proceedings continue their activity without blinking. “”No less than 80 % of the establishments concerned by a procedure reiterate the sale, sometimes even when multiple proceedings are already engaged against them“Alert the association.
Another concern: only 8 % of establishments require an identity document.
Result: the majority of minors interviewed confirm that it is easy to get alcohol. Sometimes with the complicity of “benevolent” adults, the latter agreeing to buy the drink, in their place.
A trivialized consumption from adolescence
If access is so easy, it is also because alcohol consumption is widely trivialized in France, including in the family circle. The average age of the first consumption is 14 years, often during a family meal. Moreover, 55 % of French people tolerate alcohol among 15-17 year olds, according to addictions France.
“”Adolescents are looking for their limits. The use of psychotropic products allows them to experience them and often find them“We explained Dr. Batel, head of the addictology department at Beaujon hospital. Even if he recalls that few young people are really dependent, he stresses that the period 15-20 years is that where the frequency of consumption is the highest, with disturbing peaks in evenings.
For Marion Gasteau, project manager at Addictions France, this tolerance is worrying. “”The earlier the alcohol taking, the greater the risk of dependence in adulthood. ” And despite the alerts repeated for several years, the figures are barely evolving. “”We can see that in two years, the situation has not evolved at all “ she is indignant.
Different avenues are offered by addictions France
For addictions France, responsibility must be collective: families, professionals, legislators. The association makes several concrete recommendations:
- Systematizing age controls for purchase;
- Set up graduated sanctions, depending on turnover;
- Enforce the existing sanctions, in particular the fine of € 7,500 (and up to € 15,000 and a year in prison in the event of a recurrence);
- Strengthen the educational skills of families, in order to speak of alcohol without guilt, but with lucidity.
Because if the law exists, its implementation is still too anecdotal. And as long as the message sent is blurred, the habits will continue. “”The responsibility of drinking flows is a necessary condition, but manifestly insufficient“Concludes addictions France.