A recent survey revealed worrying trends in alcohol consumption among young people in Cyprus. Firstly, almost 14 percent of respondents used alcohol for the first time before the age of 12, while over 24 percent tried it between the ages of 13 and 14. The largest percentage, 35.57 percent, said they first consumed alcohol at the age of 15-16. The poll gauged the drinking habits of people aged 18-40.
The survey was supported by the Scientific Committee of the European Liver Patients Organisation (Elpa) and conducted by the Association of Liver Patients and Friends of Cyprus ‘Prometheus’ along with the Organisation of Friends and Relatives of Addicted Persons (Ofsea). It was described as “worrying” in a joint announcement. The data was presented at a workshop at the University of Cyprus.
The legal drinking age in Cyprus is 18. While despite this, the survey shows that a significant number of young people start consuming alcohol well before this age. This discrepancy highlights a need for stricter enforcement and greater public awareness.
Yiannoula Koullas, president of Prometheus, stressed the need for cooperation among authorities to intensify controls regarding the sale and distribution of alcohol to minors. This includes strengthening educational programs in schools to inform students about the risks of alcohol consumption.
Ofsea noted that alcohol, as a legally-controlled substance, might contribute to a false sense of safety, ignoring the negative consequences of problematic consumption.
Research by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that individuals who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who start at 21 or older. In Cyprus, this trend is particularly concerning as over 24 percent of young people try alcohol between the ages of 13 and 14. This early exposure significantly raises the risks of long-term mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as increased vulnerability to accidents related to alcohol. The Cypriot government must allocate more resources toward public health education campaigns aimed at raising awareness of these dangers.
Parental attitudes and peer pressure are key factors contributing to early alcohol use. Studies in Europe show that 60 percent of teenagers who drink before the legal age often do so with their parents’ knowledge. In Cyprus, this social norm is evident in the survey’s finding that 79.1 percent of respondents consume alcohol during social gatherings, with 16 percent doing so at home. This points to a need for targeted campaigns that inform parents about the risks of allowing their children to drink and encouraging them to foster open, honest conversations about alcohol consumption.
For example, similar initiatives in Scotland have shown that involving parents in alcohol education can reduce underage drinking by up to 30 percent within two years. Cyprus could look at adopting similar programs, which would include workshops and digital resources aimed at educating both parents and teenagers about the risks of early alcohol use.
Underage drinking has far-reaching economic consequences for Cyprus. According to EU estimates, alcohol-related healthcare costs, productivity losses, and social consequences amount to €155 billion annually across member states. Cyprus, with its growing tourism and social event sectors, is not immune to this impact. Underage drinking increases the risk of alcohol-related accidents, which strain emergency services and lead to lost productivity. For businesses in Cyprus, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality industries, alcohol-related incidents involving young people can tarnish their reputation and result in legal consequences.
One of the most striking revelations from the survey is that almost 70 percent of respondents said they had never been asked for proof of identity when purchasing alcohol. This points to a significant gap in enforcing the legal drinking age of 18 in Cyprus. A stricter enforcement strategy, combined with increased penalties for establishments that sell alcohol to minors, could curb this trend. Authorities in countries like Germany and Sweden have successfully reduced underage alcohol sales by adopting stricter checks and imposing higher fines for violations. Cyprus could implement similar policies, supported by undercover operations to ensure compliance.
To tackle the issue of underage drinking, Cyprus needs a multi-pronged approach:
For more information on alcohol-related public policies and regulations, visit the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
The survey’s results should serve as a wake-up call for Cyprus to take stronger action against underage drinking. The government must intensify efforts to enforce the legal drinking age, while also investing in long-term educational programs and parent engagement. By learning from the successes of other European countries and implementing these solutions, Cyprus can make a significant difference in preventing early alcohol exposure and its long-term consequences.
Finally, for more information and insights, visit the Soneverse homepage and explore further details on our blog page.
On everything business-related
