What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Hong Kong? (2024)

If you’re coming to Hong Kong (or in the midst of growing up here) and looking to get your alcohol fix at one of the city’s countless (timeless) British pubs (for a cheeky quiz night), world-class cocktail bars or lounges, raucous and sweaty night clubs, communal 7-11s (which are an institution in their own right), or other bustling watering holes, you might be wondering what the actual legal drinking age in Hong Kong is. 

As someone who moved to Hong Kong at 21, coming hot off of the United States’ archaic drinking and liquor laws, I was in awe at just how different this city was from my hometown and how nothing was off-limits (for better or worse). 

Find out everything you need to know about drinking alcohol in Hong Kong. 

Legal Drinking Age in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the legal drinking age is 18. This is similar to most other common law countries around the world (except the U.S.), as Hong Kong was a former British colony up until 1997. 

Hong Kong’s legal drinking age enables individuals over 18 and older to not only purchase alcohol at bars and other drinking establishments but at convenience stores and supermarkets as well. 

It’s important to understand that Hong Kong’s drinking age does differ from Macau’s and used to be a stark contrast to Mainland China’s drinking age (until 2006).

Difference Between Hong Kong & China Drinking Age

Hong Kong’s “liberal” drinking age was actually considered quite strict compared to Mainland China’s lack of a drinking age up until 2006 and that of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) counterpart and gambling mecca of the world just an hour ferry away, Macau, which still does not have an official drinking age. 

Hong Kong and China’s legal drinking age (and Macau’s lack of drinking age) is a far departure from the United States’ drinking age, where you have to be 21. In the United States, you are almost always constantly asked to present your ID to prove that you are 21 or older. In Hong Kong, this is far more “the exception” rather than the “rule.” 

At 33, most bartenders, bouncers, or cashiers in the United States don’t ID me anymore, which I’m unsure if it’s a compliment or an insult. 

What’s the Legal Drinking Age in Macau?

As mentioned above, in Macau, there is no official legal drinking age. However, as of 2023, Macau’s Legislative Assembly has a law in motion to prohibit the sale of alcohol above 1.2% alcohol by volume to anyone under the age of 18. 

When the law goes into effect, minors may still purchase alcohol that does not exceed the 1.2% alcohol by volume threshold.  

Legal Consequences For Violating Hong Kong’s Drinking Laws

The legal consequences for violating Hong Kong’s drinking laws punish sellers of alcohol far more severely than those who simply consume it.

• The sale of liquor or other alcohol to a minor under the age of 18 is prohibited and carries a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (USD 6,400).
• Individuals who obstruct liquor or alcohol inspections may face a maximum fine of up to HK$10,000.

Further, drunk driving in Hong Kong is strictly prohibited and enforced. The maximum blood alcohol level (BAL) is 55 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood and 0.22 mg of alcohol per liter breath alcohol content. Impaired drivers in Hong Kong may face:

• A maximum fine of HK$25,000 and imprisonment of no more than 3 years.
• Disqualification from driving for, minimum, 3 months for a first conviction, or 2 years for a second conviction.
• Mandatory driving course.
• 10 offense points on your license – for reference, if you have more than 15 points on your license within a 2-year period, you risk having your license revoked.

The above punishments also extend to drivers who fail or refuse to provide blood, urine, or breath tests without a reasonable excuse.

The Real Risk For Minors is When…

The real risk for minors (under 18) is in cases where they are caught with a fake or forged ID while drinking alcohol. This is considered a serious offense in Hong Kong and can result in a fine of up to HK$100,000 or 12 months in jail. It carries an even stiffer penalty for individuals over 18 who are caught with a fake or forged ID, ranging from 3 to 14 years imprisonment.

Other Hong Kong Alcohol Laws

We like to have fun.

The only other major Hong Kong alcohol law that I know tourists and those moving to Hong Kong are always unsure about is whether you can drink in public in Hong Kong.

Let’s take a quick look.

Can You Drink in Public in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, there is no official law that prohibits drinking in public. Trust me, I do it somewhat regularly and would have long been in the pokey by now if there was one.

Drinking in public and on the street is a national pastime in this city. Lan Kwai Fong, the prominent, previously declared deceased but now in the midst of revival, drinking area of Hong Kong is infamous for hordes of partygoers of all ages, nationalities, and creeds drinking shoulder to shoulder in the streets (especially during Rugby Sevens). 

You’ll notice everyone from construction workers to traditional 9 to 5’ers walking on the street with a bottle or can after work (some even in the morning). 

During the lockdowns when dining at restaurants was forbidden, several buddies and I would grab a pizza from Fiata or Gustacci, pick up a couple of cans of my favorite beer (Dale’s Pale Ale) from Out of the Brew, and post up for a few hours on the steps between Hollywood and Gough. 

What Time Do They Stop Selling Alcohol in Hong Kong?

Mizunara: The Library is an absolute gem for whiskey bars in Hong Kong.

There is no restriction on the sale hours of alcoholic beverages or liquor in Hong Kong, which means that you can technically get your fix at any hour of the day. It just depends on if the restaurant, bar, or store is open and fully stocked. 

I’ve drank late-night (or early morning) pints of Carlsberg and Asahi in Wan Chai (until 5 or 6 in the morning), woken up several hours later for a free-flow brunch somewhere (preferably the coveted Zuma Brunch), and then rise and repeated – entering into a Groundhog Day cycle of booze (and more booze). 

Do They ID You When Buying Alcohol in Hong Kong?

While I’ve never been ID’d anywhere in Hong Kong, other than during the pandemic (which I imagine was for other purposes), you may have your ID checked depending on the vendor or salesperson. My general thoughts are that the only times you’ll really run into being ID’ed in Hong Kong are (a) if you look well under 18, (b) are trying to enter a popular club, (c) it’s an established protocol at that particular bar, club, or cocktail lounge.

The major concern or risk that you run of purchasing alcohol or gaining entrance to a bar or club while underage (and drinking) is when there are random police checks. Now, while I’ve never been ID’ed in Hong Kong by a bouncer, bartender, or cashier, I have been ID’ed by police who do conduct occasional patrols and raids on bars and clubs. 

Finally, some words of wisdom is that if you are going out for a big one with a group and/or for a special occasion, it is probably prudent to bring your ID – even if you’re over 18. You don’t want to catch a bouncer having an off night who decides to arbitrarily enforce their ID policy for the first time in three years, as it can then lead to ruining the night (all on you).

What Forms of ID Can You Use?

If you are admitted to stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days, you will be issued a Hong Kong resident card. This is what every single person living in Hong Kong should carry around with them at all points. 

However, if you are not a Hong Kong resident and just traveling to the city, bringing your local ID, passport, or photocopies of either should be more than sufficient to gain entry into a drinking establishment (if they even ask). It should also be more than sufficient to purchase alcohol at any 7-11, Circle K, convenience store or supermarket. 

And if you’re rejected at one spot, if you hop on down the road to the next bar or convenience store, there’s a high probability you won’t actually run into any issues a second time. 

Hong Kong’s Beer & Wine Scene

In my happy place with a Gweilo beer over at Ink Seafood Bar in TST.

For the longest time, I lamented Hong Kong’s beer and wine scene. However, the longer I stay and the deeper I explore, the more I realize that Hong Kong’s beer and wine scene, while nascent, is blossoming quicker than I might have originally given it credit.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: Hong Kong is my absolute favorite city in the world and where I currently call home. The nightlife scene here is just one of the many pros of living in Hong Kong which keeps me feeling alive and like a “young 33.”

Hong Kong’s Beer Scene

In 2011, there were just two breweries in “the Fragrant Harbor,” today, there are over 35. Craft beer has taken Hong Kong by storm over the past decade and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

You can find everything from citrusy IPAs and winter-worthy stouts, to easily drinkable pilsners, fruity saisons, and even a handful of sours. 

Some of my favorite breweries in Hong Kong include:

• Yardley Brothers,
• Hong Kong Beer Co.,
• Black Kite Brewery. 

There’s also a considerable number of beer shops and other taprooms strategically placed around the city like Out of the Brew, 99 Bottles, Hong Kong Island Taphouse, Blue Supreme, and The Ale Project (TAP). You can even find a wide selection of beer at local and international supermarkets and even some of the more popular craft beers (like Gweilo) in 7-11 and Circle K refrigerators. 

Pale Ale Travel Note: For my 33rd birthday this year, I actually pre-gamed some fantastic Taiwanese hotpot with my buddies by stopping by a craft beer festival (“The Hoppening”) down at PMQ where I tried a fantastic jelly raspberry sour by Black Kite (which is meant to be blended with their Peanut Butter Milkshake IPA). 

Hong Kong’s Wine Scene

A thriving domestically produced wine scene is definitely not the case in Hong Kong. While it’s one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, with one of the largest wealth gaps anywhere (meaning, there’s no shortage of people shelling out for great wine), it’s home to just a single winery (which imports snap-frozen grapes from other wine regions across the globe).

The relentless heat of the city is a key reason why growing and cultivating wine grapes in Hong Kong is untenable. I imagine there are a few renegades out there who are trying to defy all odds (and nature) by growing their own vines – but I would reckon this is further out in New Territories or on an Outlying Island. 

Hong Kong is Asia’s wine distribution and trading hub, so any wine you can think of or crave, you can find it. I’m a bit of a Hannibal Lecter and love me a glass or three of Chianti – with a side of fava beans. 

Drinking in Hong Kong (at Any Age)

“This one’s for the drunks, the wine-o’s, the belligerent, after hour all night psychos.” – Paranoid Social Club

Hong Kong can feel somewhat like a lawless land at points. But as someone who first moved here in 2012 (with a sizable gap in years before I moved back in 2020), I can tell you that things are tightening up more and more with the ever encroaching and “guiding” hand of “Big Brother” across the border. So, while the legal drinking age in Hong Kong is currently 18, I could see alcohol regulations potentially being further tightened as the years progress. 

Exercise caution anytime you go out drinking, avoid driving if you’ve had a few drinks, and know the legal risks if you do decide to engage in unlawful behavior. Hong Kong can be an exceptionally vibrant and fun city. However, it can also unleash its fury upon individuals like the crashing of a thousand waves (It’s Always Sunny quote right there). Simply put, you don’t want to be the one to be made an example of.

If you’re visiting Hong Kong and have any questions about where to drink at, what to do, or what to see, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments or via email (info@palealetravel.com) and I’ll do my best to make sure your trip is a success!

Finally, if you have any favorite drinking establishments in Hong Kong, let me know! I’ve lived here for over six years now but I’m still finding new bars, restaurants, and things every single week – and I’d love to keep writing about them.

Stay well and drink responsibly everyone,

Big Body