Teenagers' nights out and age limits in Spain

Key rules

• Alcohol: You must be 18 to buy or drink alcohol in Spain, and shops, bars and vending machines cannot sell it to under-18s.
• Curfew: There is no national curfew for minors, so your region's rules apply.
• Clubs: Under-18s are barred from clubs in most regions, except at special teen sessions.
• Events: Concert and event age limits are set by the promoter and regional law, so check each ticket page.

The short answer

Spain has no national curfew for teenagers. Alcohol has one clear age limit. Clubs, concerts and late-night venues depend on the region and on the venue's own policy. The rules differ by region, so check the one where you live.

Alcohol

You must be 18 to buy or drink alcohol in Spain. Shops, bars and vending machines cannot sell it to under-18s. Venues may ask for ID, so a teenager who looks older should still carry one. Regional laws set the details and the fines.

Clubs and discos

Under-18s are barred from nightclubs and discos in most regions. The usual exception is a "sesión para menores" or "sesión para jóvenes". These are afternoon or early-evening sessions for teenagers, often from 14 or 15 up to 17. In some regions the minimum is 16.

What to expect at these sessions:

• No alcohol or tobacco is sold.
• Staff check ID at the door.
• They usually close around 21:00 to 22:00.

Venues can set stricter limits than the law, such as 18 or 21. Ask the venue before you promise a teenager anything.

Being out late

No national rule sets a time by which minors must be home. Regional laws on public shows and on alcohol decide. In practice, under-16s are usually kept out of bars and late-night venues unless an adult is with them. Children out late with family at restaurants and terraces are common and accepted.

You are legally responsible for your child's care. If the police find a minor in a risky situation, they may take them home to you. Regions also bar minors from gambling venues and betting shops.

Cinema

Films carry an age rating from the national film institute (ICAA). The categories are:

• Todos los públicos (all audiences)
• Not recommended under 7
• Not recommended under 12
• Not recommended under 16
• Not recommended under 18, which is adults only

Most ratings are recommendations. The 18 rating is restricted.

Concerts and events

No single national age rule covers concerts and events. The promoter and the regional law on public shows decide. Young children are often free or must be accompanied. Late-night club-style events are usually 16+ or 18+, and under-16s often need an adult with them. Events that serve alcohol still bar under-18s from drinking. Read the age policy on the ticket page before you buy.

The questions below cover the most common cases.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 15-year-old go to a club in Spain?

Usually only to a special teen session, because most regions bar under-18s from nightclubs and discos. These sessions are for ages 14 to 17 in many regions, or 16 to 17 in others. They run in the afternoon or early evening, close around 21:00-22:00, check ID and sell no alcohol or tobacco.

Is there a curfew for teenagers out at night?

No, Spain has no national curfew for minors, but regional rules can limit where they go. Under-16s are usually barred from bars and venues late at night unless an adult is with them. Police may take a minor found in a risky situation back to their parents.

Do film age ratings stop teenagers from getting into the cinema?

Only the 18 rating is a real restriction. The ratings for all audiences, 7, 12 and 16 are recommendations. Cinemas may still ask for ID on 18-rated films.

What age do you need to get into a concert in Spain?

There is no single national age for concerts, because the promoter and the region set the limit.