Brest study reveals high rates of alcohol sales to minors

A summer 2026 undercover testing campaign conducted by the association Addictions France in Brest, France, revealed widespread illegal alcohol sales to minors. Out of 43 establishments tested, 41 sold alcohol to underage individuals, representing a 95% failure rate. Notably, 100% of the bars inspected were found to be in violation of age restrictions.

On a broader national scale, data from the OFDT indicates a structural decline in alcohol experimentation among French youth. Between 2018 and 2022, alcohol experimentation among middle school students dropped from approximately 60% to 43.4%, while high school experimentation fell from 85% to 68.3%. This trend is attributed to changing social norms regarding health risks, shifts in social habits toward online interaction, and an increased emphasis on personal health and performance.