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Lesson 1 of 3
  • Year 8

Alcohol and the law

I can explain why people might choose to drink alcohol, the associated risks with alcohol and the law surrounding it.

Lesson 1 of 3
New
New
  • Year 8

Alcohol and the law

I can explain why people might choose to drink alcohol, the associated risks with alcohol and the law surrounding it.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. People have different attitudes towards drinking alcohol.
  2. The legal age to purchase alcohol in the UK is 18.
  3. Alcohol affects the brain and can cause serious health problems.
  4. Underage drinking is an offence that can result in fines, arrest or a criminal record.
  5. Criminal records can affect future travel, employment and education opportunities.

Keywords

  • Legal age - the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law, such as purchasing alcohol

  • Alcohol - a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement and coordination

  • Underage drinking - the consumption of alcohol by someone who is below the legal drinking age

  • Offence - a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

  • Criminal record - a list of a person's previous criminal convictions

Common misconception

Only adults face consequences for breaking alcohol laws.

Young people can face serious consequences for breaking alcohol laws, including being fined or arrested if caught drinking in public or purchasing alcohol.


To help you plan your year 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Alcohol and the law, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Consider cultural sensitivity. Some religions prohibit alcohol entirely. Frame discussions inclusively, celebrating diverse perspectives rather than treating abstinence as unusual.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The UK government puts on harmful substances such as nicotine or alcohol.

Correct Answer: age restrictions, age limits

Q2.
The legal age to buy cigarettes or vapes is ...

16
Correct answer: 18
21

Q3.
are decisions that contribute positively to our physical and mental wellbeing.

Correct Answer: healthy choices, healthy options

Q4.
Match the word to its correct definition.

Correct Answer:lifestyle,the way in which a person lives, including their habits and behaviours

the way in which a person lives, including their habits and behaviours

Correct Answer:moderation,doing something within reasonable limits, not in excess

doing something within reasonable limits, not in excess

Correct Answer:self-care,the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health

the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health

Q5.
Match the consequence to the type of situation.

Correct Answer:fine,a monetary penalty you must pay for breaking a law

a monetary penalty you must pay for breaking a law

Correct Answer:arrest,being taken into police custody for committing an offence

being taken into police custody for committing an offence

Correct Answer:criminal record,an official record of your convictions that can last for years

an official record of your convictions that can last for years

Correct Answer:imprisonment,being sent to prison as punishment for a serious crime

being sent to prison as punishment for a serious crime

Q6.
It is against the to purchase age-restricted products for someone underage.

Correct Answer: law

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definition.

Correct Answer:legal age,the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law

the minimum age at which a person is allowed to do something by law

Correct Answer:alcohol,a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement

a substance containing ethanol which can impair judgement

Correct Answer:offence,a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

a breach of a law or rule; an illegal act

Correct Answer:criminal record,a list of a person’s previous criminal convictions

a list of a person’s previous criminal convictions

Q2.
Mia says: "Only adults get in trouble for breaking alcohol laws." Is Mia correct?

Yes, only adults face consequences.
Correct answer: No, young people can also be fined or arrested.
Yes, young people just get a warning.
No, but young people only get told off.

Q3.
What is the legal age to purchase alcohol in the UK?

Correct Answer: 18

Q4.
Match each alcohol-related offence to its potential consequence.

Correct Answer:underage drinking,can result in a fine, arrest or criminal record

can result in a fine, arrest or criminal record

Correct Answer:using a fake ID,maximum fine of £5000 and/or 10 years imprisonment

maximum fine of £5000 and/or 10 years imprisonment

Correct Answer:drink-driving,fine up to £5000, imprisonment and driving ban

fine up to £5000, imprisonment and driving ban

Q5.
Which of these is a serious health problem that can be caused by drinking alcohol over long periods of time?

improved memory
Correct answer: liver disease
better coordination
stronger bones