If you're under eighteen, you're advised not to drink because the body is less well equipped to cope with the effects of alcohol, physically and emotionally.

The same amount of alcohol will have a much greater effect on your body than on an adult, because your body - especially your brain and liver are still growing and developing.

As alcohol affects your judgement and perception and can lead to alcohol poisoning, coma and in extreme cases death if drunk in excess, there are laws setting an age limit to buy alcohol in shops or bars and drinking without parental supervision.

Under 5? It is illegal to give an alcoholic drink to a child under 5 except under medical supervision in an emergency.

Under 14? With the new licensing law, it is now at the Landlord's discretion as to whether children are allowed anywhere in a pub. They cannot of course, buy or drink alcohol on the premises.

14 or 15? You can go anywhere in a pub, but cannot buy or drink alcohol.

Under 18? Adults are not allowed to buy alcohol on behalf of under 18's in a licensed premises. In the new licensing laws, the only exception is for 16 or 17 year olds who are allowed to drink beer, wine or cider at a meal out with adults (but they may not buy the alcohol themselves).

It is legal for anyone over 5 to drink alcohol. The restrictions apply to purchasing (under 18) and location - on licensed premises or in alcohol exclusion zones.

Police have powers to confiscate alcohol from under 18's drinking in public spaces (e.g. in the street or in parks).