Today, we will be talking about the drinking age in Israel, as well as covering the rules that come with liquor consumption in this country. If this is a topic that interests you – Then, by all means, keep reading. We will also be discussing some questions that you may have regarding this topic, just in case you have intentions of visiting here for whatever reason.
Israel is a well-known tourist spot – People come there either for religious purposes, to get a sample of the culture, or to shop and partake in the local food or drinking scene. This includes the consumption of alcohol. You may be surprised to hear that Israel’s population is composed mostly of Jews and Muslims, two cultures that only allow moderate to no consumption of alcohol.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Israel?
To drink or purchase alcohol in Israel, you should be at least 18 years old and above. There are two commonly consumed liquors here in the country. The first one is wine, which is usually drunk during Jewish ceremonies such as Passover, Hanukkah, and coming-of-age ceremonies like bat/bar mitzvahs. The other is Arak, a locally distilled spirit that tastes similar to anise.
What is the Legal Drinking Age in Israel for Tourists and Foreigners?
The same drinking age of 18 years old and above applies to all residents of Israel, whether you are only paying the country for a visit or if you intend to stay here for a long while. As mentioned earlier, Israel does come with so many places for you to go to as a tourist, all of which are educational, fun, and sometimes life-changing. These tourist spots may involve alcohol or not, but we can assure you that you’ll still have fun, nonetheless.
Do You Need an ID to Drink in Israel?
It depends on where you purchase your alcohol from. Despite being a somewhat religious country, Israel is pretty lenient in regard to buying, selling, and consuming liquor. Some bars, nightclubs, and liquor stores will allow minors below 18 years old to buy the alcohol of their choice, while a few of them are very strict when it comes to these rules. Be sure to bring your ID, passport, or driver’s license with you in case you do want to hang out in a bar or buy your favorite liquor in stores.
Legal Drinking Age in Israel with Parents
As a Jewish country, Israel is filled with traditions and ceremonies that involve wine consumption, usually performed as part of a coming-of-age ritual. But for other alcoholic drinks like beer or other local types like Arak, minors are not allowed to consume alcohol even with their parent’s approval. It is also against the law for parents to give alcohol to their children, but these rules are pretty lenient, and sometimes it happens without anyone blinking an eye.
Legal Drinking Age in Israel by Region
The legal drinking age of 18 years old is implemented throughout the entire country, including its capital, Tel Aviv. But despite it being the minimum drinking age, there are a couple of bars and clubs that will not let anyone in until they are actually 25 years old and above. Tel Aviv has pretty good nightlife, and you are free to explore it when you have reached the proper age.
Can Minors Drink in Israel with Their Parents?
Minors are not allowed to consume alcohol in public, even if there’s a parent nearby with their consent. The only exception to this case is religious ceremonies, where wine consumption is usually required. These include coming-of-age ceremonies such as bar/bat mitzvahs and other Jewish traditions such as Hanukkah (Jewish Christmas) and the Passover Seder.
Consequences of Breaking the Drinking Age Law in Israel
Israel may be lax regarding alcohol consumption and underage drinking, but that is not the case with driving under the influence. In this country, drunk driving is considered as one of the worst offenses an Israeli can make, especially when there are injuries or a death involved. Depending on the situation, your driver’s license can get suspended for up to two years, with repeat offenders getting a suspension of over four years.
The legal blood alcohol limit in the country is 24mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, even though you will not receive a penalty from the police if the BAC levels are below 26mg.
Rounding up the Drinking Age in Israel
This is all the information you need regarding the alcohol laws and drinking age in Israel. We hope that we were able to answer all your pressing questions. Israel is a country filled with so many traditions, and as tourists, you’d want to try out some of them, if not all. Although you are welcome to try out their alcoholic beverages (as long as you’re not a minor), make sure to do everything in moderation.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
