Across the country there are everyday acts like driving and drinking that people tend to treat as normal, with access that seems almost taken for granted beyond age limits. Yet those two activities deserve more safeguards and a lot of fine print. Getting behind the wheel looks simple enough for many, but it does not mean everyone is mentally ready to drive without endangering themselves or others. Drinking, meanwhile, poses an even deeper risk because there are no universal screenings or mandatory tests that guarantee safe consumption. Younger people are starting earlier, and the social acceptance of drinking is rising.
That is why it mattered when the Council of Ministers finally approved the first rule aimed at reducing alcohol use among minors. The policy is set to be a national pioneer, and as Health Minister Mónica García has stressed, it is urgent and necessary for public health and safety.
The measure will prohibit many practices that common sense should have blocked long ago. It bans drinking alcohol, including for adults, in places where minors are likely to be present, such as schools, sports venues, or entertainment spaces during times dedicated to younger audiences. It also bars the sale and display of alcoholic beverages in establishments whose primary clientele are minors. Additionally, it requires scrutiny of alcohol advertising to ensure that it does not target young people or use imagery, messages, or terms that minimize health risks or tie alcohol to childhood or youth.
As with any new policy, there will be voices arguing that the approach is too strict. Yet the latest data from the National Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain show that alcohol remains the psychoactive substance most commonly consumed by students aged 14 to 18. And 93 percent of those students report that despite restrictions, access to alcoholic beverages in supermarkets, shops, and bars is nearly unrestricted.
Still, the truth is that legislation alone cannot reshape deep cultural patterns. Spain is a country where offering a guest a cold beer is a familiar gesture from the moment someone steps inside a home. In many households there are several drinks cooling in the fridge, and wine, plus a bottle of gin, whiskey, or rum sits within reach for weekends or special occasions. Traditional drinks like anis del mono or cognac linger in settings that feel almost ceremonial.
Celebrations of any kind, big or small, often hinge on a drink in hand. Spaniards are social drinkers who enjoy sharing conversations, feasts, and stories over a round of beverages. There are also anecdotes about individuals who start their day with a carajillo or similar drink, but for the most part, gatherings revolve around sharing cañas with friends and catching up on the latest chatter rather than chasing a carefree night.
Few things are more challenging than trying to persuade people purely by words when the topic is alcohol. The law is a necessary step, but it will only matter if it is paired with substantial education. The emphasis must be on explaining the risks of addiction, the consequences of heavy drinking, and the value of moderation so that a fifteen-year-old can responsibly say no when a peer offers a strong drink.
Ultimately, reframing how alcohol is perceived and associated with leisure remains a work in progress. The goal is to empower the younger generation to decide not to drink because they choose to, based on information and personal autonomy, not simply because of the threat of fines or punishment.