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Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its decadent coffeehouses, elaborate pastries, and vibrant nightlife. The city's drinking culture is an integral part of the local lifestyle, with various establishments serving alcoholic beverages. While Vienna's opening hours for drinking venues vary, the legal drinking age in the city is 16 years for beverages like beer and wine. However, in certain regions of Austria, the drinking laws differ, with some areas prohibiting the consumption of distilled drinks below the age of 18.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drinking age for spirits | 18 |
| Drinking age for beer, cider, and wine | 16 |
| Drinking in public places | Legal, but forbidden in stations and on public transport |
| Drinking laws | Regional |
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What You'll Learn
Drinking laws vary across Austria
Austria's drinking laws are split between regional and federal legislation. The federal states of Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland have a general legal purchase age of 16 years. The rest of the states differentiate between fermented drinks (beer, wine, and cider) with a legal purchase age of 16, and distilled spirits, with a legal purchase age of 18.
However, in practice, no Austrian establishment will refuse to serve alcohol to anyone who doesn't look like a child, especially beer or wine. Drinking is socially accepted in Austria, and minors are allowed to drink as long as their parents are nearby. It is recommended that you carry ID in case your age needs to be verified.
Blood alcohol limits vary by region, with Carinthia requiring young people to stay below 0.05%. Upper Austria, Salzburg, and Tyrol prohibit the consumption of distilled beverages for under-18s, while Carinthia and Styria prohibit drinks containing more than 12% or 14% of alcohol, respectively, for this age group.
The opening hours of drinking establishments also vary across Austria. In Vienna, most restaurants may open as early as 6 am and stay open until 2 am, while most bars may open from 10 am and stay open as late as 4 am. Locations officially defined as Heuriger (wine taverns) must close by midnight.
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Drinking in public places
In Vienna, Austria, the legal drinking age depends on the type of alcoholic beverage. The federal states of Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland have a general legal purchase age of 16 years for fermented drinks such as beer, wine, and cider. However, for distilled spirits with a higher percentage of alcohol, the legal purchase age is 18 years. It's important to note that drinking laws can vary regionally within Austria, with some areas differentiating between the ages for different types of alcohol.
When it comes to drinking in public places in Vienna, it is broadly legal, but there are several exceptions and cultural norms to be aware of. Drinking in public places such as stations and on public transport is forbidden. While it may be legal, drinking in public outside of bars, pubs, restaurants, and picnic sites is generally frowned upon by locals. During the COVID-19 partial lockdowns and bar closures, there was a shift towards gathering in parks and open spaces, and this behavior has persisted to some extent, especially during warmer seasons. Nonetheless, it is considered inappropriate to be visibly drunk in public, and such behavior is less commonly observed in Vienna compared to other places.
The opening hours of drinking establishments in Vienna vary depending on the type of venue. Most eating establishments, such as restaurants, can open as early as 6 am and stay open until 2 am. On the other hand, bars typically operate from 10 am to 4 am. Heuriger, or wine taverns, along with sausage stands, are required to close by midnight. It's worth noting that venues in the city center tend to close earlier, and their operating hours may differ based on how they are classified and the preferences of the owners.
While there may not be a strong culture of checking IDs in Austria, it is always advisable to carry identification when purchasing alcohol, especially if you are close to the legal drinking age. Enforcement of age restrictions can vary, and establishments may have their own policies regarding ID checks. Additionally, be mindful of the cultural norms and local laws when consuming alcohol in public spaces. Respect the local customs, and always drink responsibly.
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Drinking hours in Vienna
In Vienna, the legal drinking and purchasing age is 16 for fermented drinks such as beer and wine. However, one must be 18 to buy distilled spirits like liquor. Drinking in public places is generally allowed with some exceptions. For instance, drinking in stations and on public transport is forbidden. Although drinking outside bars, pubs, and restaurants is legal, it is generally frowned upon.
Vienna's opening hours vary depending on the type of establishment. Most restaurants may open as early as 6 am and stay open until 2 am. Sausage stands and similar food stalls cannot open past midnight. Wine taverns, known as "Heuriger," must also close by midnight. Most bars may open from 10 am and remain open until 4 am if they choose. Establishments in the city centre tend to close earlier.
While drinking laws in Vienna permit public consumption, enforcement varies depending on the location and beverage type. Drinking behaviours that are broadly accepted without issue include consuming beer or wine. However, drinking vodka in public may lead to problems. Being visibly drunk in public is uncommon and generally discouraged.
It is important to note that drinking laws in Austria are regional and may differ outside of Vienna. The federal states of Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland set the general legal purchase age at 16 years. In contrast, other Austrian states differentiate between fermented and distilled beverages, with the latter restricted to those aged 18 and over.
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Drinking age for spirits
The drinking laws in Vienna, Austria are regional and may differ once you leave the city. In general, it is legal to drink in public places in Vienna, although there are some significant exceptions, such as stations and public transport. Drinking in public outside of bars and restaurants is also generally frowned upon.
In Austria, purchasing alcohol is regulated at the regional level, with two different age requirements: either 16 or 18, depending on the region and the percentage of alcohol in the drink. In Vienna, the federal state, along with Lower Austria and Burgenland, the general legal purchase age for alcohol is 16 years. However, there is some discrepancy in sources as to whether the drinking age for spirits in Vienna is 16 or 18 years. Some sources state that the legal drinking age for spirits is 18 years, while others, including a government website, state that it is 16 years. This discrepancy may be due to the fact that, while the drinking age for fermented drinks such as beer, wine, and cider is consistently given as 16 across Austria, the drinking age for distilled spirits is less clear and may vary between regions.
It is important to note that the World Health Organization and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights recommend that the minimum age for the purchase and consumption of alcohol should be 18 years. Additionally, there is no culture of checking IDs in Austria, unlike in the US, so it is up to the individual to be responsible and follow the legal drinking age for their region.
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ID checks in Austria
In Austria, the legal drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits and other alcoholic beverages. This applies to all cities, including Vienna, although drinking laws may differ once you leave the city.
It is recommended that you carry ID with you in Austria, especially if you plan to purchase alcohol or enter age-restricted venues such as clubs. Establishments may ask for proof of age, and having ID will ensure you can enjoy Austria's nightlife without issues. ID checks are more likely to occur if you appear young. Regular inspections take place at establishments across Austria, with staff required to check ages and serve responsibly, particularly in tourist hotspots.
Austria has a more relaxed attitude towards public drinking compared to other European countries, and drinking in public is generally permitted. However, there are exceptions to this, such as stations and public transport. Drinking in public outside of licensed venues is also generally frowned upon.
While the legal drinking age in Austria is 16 for beer and wine, it is worth noting that the protection of minors regarding alcohol is not regulated nationwide. Instead, it is a matter for the federal states, so there may be different regulations in different regions. However, the difference in restrictions between federal states is reported to be minor, mostly affecting minor nuances.
In addition to ID checks for purchasing alcohol, Austria also conducts random breath tests at roadside police checks to combat drink-driving. These checks are carried out using a breathalyser, and sanctions are imposed based on the test results. Austria ranks among the EU countries with a significant number of alcohol checks by the police.
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Frequently asked questions
The legal drinking age for beer and wine in Vienna is 16.
No, drinking laws vary from region to region.
Yes, it is forbidden to drink in stations and on public transport.
Most eating establishments may open from 6 am to 2 am. Drinking establishments may open from 10 am to 4 am.
No, it seems that ID is rarely checked unless you look very young.
