Regulation of the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks in France, England and Germany

As licensing authorities in England and Wales are in the process of implementing the new Licensing Act 2003, it is timely to compare and contrast the law relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol in three legal jurisdictions: England and Wales (see title footnote), France and Germany. Social issues associated with the sale and consumption of alcohol, particularly the negative impacts of crime and injuries, are discussed. The paper then goes on to examine the control of alcohol sales through the granting of licences, regulating opening hours and prescribing who may or may not be served alcohol. Government policies concerning education of the public and regulation of advertising of alcohol are considered.