Belgium: Brewers asking for a stronger law

Belgian Brewers Federation wants a total ban for selling beer to youngsters under 16 years old, 7/7 reported June 14. “Because the beer asks for a certain maturity. Drinking beer when being under 16 years old is alcohol abuse”, Belgian brewers said.

According to Philippe Moortgat, Belgian brewers’ director, the project is only at the beginning. “But we want to work on it. Our federation is promoting moderate beer consumption. The youngsters under 16 years old drinking beer, is a type of alcohol abuse” he explained.

The present law says the bars can’t sell alcohol to minors who are not accompanied by an adult. But the federation wants a total ban for youngsters under 16 years old.