NordAN contributes to Danish consultation on alcohol age verification
05.11.2026 - NordAN has submitted a response to a Danish consultation, welcoming stronger age verification while calling for an 18-year purchase age for all alcoholic beverages.
NordAN has contributed to a Danish consultation on draft regulations concerning age verification in physical shops. The proposed rules are part of a wider package covering tobacco, nicotine, alcohol and sunbeds.
NordAN welcomed the proposed framework for electronic age checks but stressed that its effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement. As electronic verification would be optional for retailers, the network encouraged Denmark to maintain independent inspections and test purchases, provide sufficient resources for enforcement and publish regular information on compliance.
NordAN also commented on proposed changes to age-limit signs. While the draft retains the requirement for visible signs at every checkout, it removes specific rules on their placement. NordAN encouraged the ministry to retain clear requirements or provide equally clear guidance for retailers and authorities.
An opportunity to put our resolution into practice
The consultation offered a direct opportunity to share NordAN’s resolution Protecting young people through strong alcohol age limits, adopted at the General Assembly in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, on 8 October 2026.
In line with the resolution, NordAN called on Denmark to move towards a minimum purchase age of 18 for all alcoholic beverages. At present, 16- and 17-year-olds can still buy drinks containing up to 6% alcohol. While changing the age limit would require a separate legislative decision, NordAN encouraged the government to keep it a priority in its prevention work.
The response also noted that age verification should be considered as part of a broader alcohol policy. Experience from the Nordic and Baltic region shows the importance of combining age limits with effective enforcement and measures addressing alcohol availability. As purchasing habits change, protections for young people must also remain effective across online sales and home delivery.
Age limits and local implementation were among the themes discussed at NordAN’s Open Day in Copenhagen earlier this year, where members and partners shared evidence and experience from across the region.
Through the Danish consultation, NordAN has been able to bring its agreed position and a wider Nordic and Baltic perspective into a national policy discussion.
Read more:
