Alcohol is a legal substance but there are a number of laws governing the sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol in the UK.  The effect of these laws is to criminalise certain types of behaviour e.g. drinking and driving, purchase by and sale to minors, drunkenness in public spaces.

Drink driving

If you're convicted of causing death by careless driving, you could face 14 years in prison, you’ll be banned from driving for at least 2 years and you’ll have to take an extended driving test.

If you drive or attempt to drive whilst above the legal limit or if you’re unfit through drink, then you could get up to 6 months in prison, plus a fine of £5,000 and you’ll be banned from driving for a year.

If you're in charge of a vehicle whilst over the legal limit or unfit through drink, you could face 3 months imprisonment, a ban from driving and a fine of £2,500.

And refusing to provide a breath, blood or urine sample might land you with 6 months imprisonment plus a fine of £5,000 and you may be banned from driving for at least 12 months.

Underage sale/purchase and drunkenness

The laws and associated penalties relating to underage sale/purchase and antisocial behaviour/drunkeness vary across the UK. Click on the links below to find out how these apply to the area in which you live.

England & Wales

Scotland & Northern Ireland  

To download Challenge 21 signage please visit the WSTA website or to order call 0870 240 1221.