Milan bans sale of alcohol to children under 16
A third of 11-year-olds in Milan have alcohol-related problems, authorities say. Now, the parents of those thirsty tweens will have to pay. In an effort to curb binge drinking among teenagers, Milan has banned the consumption and sale of alcohol to children under the age of 16. Officials have also slapped a new 500 Euro fine on parents of under-age kids caught drinking wine and spirits. But not everyone is happy with the new regulations. Italian families are used to giving young children wine as a treat at parties. And bar owners resent being made to act as alcohol police. Currently, a national law bans the sale of alcohol to under-16s, but it is only loosely enforced.