Protection of minors; information

Businesses and event organizers are responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the Youth Protection Act are observed. Violations are punishable by fines of up to EUR 50,000, in certain cases even by imprisonment and fines. Youth protection checks are usually carried out jointly by the police and the youth welfare office. The district administrative authorities (district administrations and independent cities) are responsible for punishing administrative offenses under the Youth Protection Act.

Children and young people under the age of 16 are generally prohibited from attending dance events. They are allowed to stay in restaurants between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. and only for the duration of a meal or drink. Exception: they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Beer, wine, sparkling wine and corresponding mixed drinks may be served to young people aged 16 and over. All other alcoholic beverages (spirits) may not be sold to children and young people. Young people between the ages of 14 and 16 may only receive beer, wine, sparkling wine and mixed drinks containing wine with the consent and in the company of their legal guardians (e.g. parents). Parental authority is not sufficient for this.

Vending machines may only offer alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine if the machine is set up in a place inaccessible to children and young people or in a commercially used room and if technical devices or constant supervision prevent minors under the age of 16 from taking these drinks. For other alcohol, such as whiskey, schnapps, liqueur, vodka and their mixed drinks, distribution via vending machines is generally not permitted in Germany.

Traders may only make media with computer games or films (e.g. DVD, Bluray, console games, USB sticks, SD cards) and screen games accessible to children and young people if the media content has been approved for the relevant age group. The release of media content is carried out by permanent representatives of the highest state youth authorities following the review procedure at the self-governing organizations of the Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry (FSK) and the Entertainment Software Self-Regulation (USK).

The Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs and the Bavarian State Youth Welfare Office (ZBFS-Bayerisches Landesjugendamt), in coordination with the other state ministries and the municipal umbrella organizations, have drawn up comprehensive state-wide enforcement instructions for the Youth Protection Act to inform all parties involved - the implementing authorities, the industry, but also parents and minors.

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