What's the Drinking Age in Morocco? Here’s What You Need to Know

Well, if you're planning a trip to Morocco and you're wondering about the legal drinking age, you're not alone. It's one of those things that many people don’t think about until they arrive, and honestly, it can get a bit confusing, especially when you're navigating a country with such a rich cultural history and complex social norms.

So, let's get right into it.

The Legal Drinking Age in Morocco

Actually, Morocco doesn't have a clear, unified legal drinking age like you might find in other countries. The general consensus is that the legal drinking age is 18, but here's the thing: it’s not always strictly enforced. You might be wondering, "Wait, so can I get away with drinking at 16 or 17 if no one’s looking?" Well, sure, technically, it might be possible in some areas, but it’s really not something I'd recommend, and here’s why.

Cultural Context: Alcohol in Morocco

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and as such, the approach to alcohol can be a bit... tricky. While Morocco is relatively tolerant when it comes to alcohol (especially in tourist areas), alcohol consumption still isn't as casual or widely accepted in public spaces as it is in many Western countries. You'll find alcohol readily available in most major cities, tourist resorts, and high-end restaurants, but outside of these areas, it can be a little more difficult to find.

I’ll be honest, the first time I visited Morocco, I was totally caught off guard by the fact that it’s so common to see tourists and locals having drinks in the right spots, but in more traditional areas, you could get some serious side-eye if you’re openly drinking in public.

Buying Alcohol: Where and When?

Now, when it comes to actually purchasing alcohol, it’s pretty much limited to specific places: bars, hotels, and licensed stores. So don’t expect to just stroll into a regular corner shop and pick up a six-pack of beer – that’s not how it works in Morocco. In most cases, you'll have to find a store that specializes in selling alcohol (they’re not super easy to spot, but they’re there if you look).

One interesting thing I noticed during my time in Morocco was that, in the more conservative regions, even though alcohol is available, the locals tend to steer clear of it, and it’s not something that’s really part of the daily routine for many people. I had a friend tell me that the idea of drinking at home, even if you're of legal age, is something that could draw unwanted attention.

Should You Drink in Public?

Honestly, the short answer is: don’t do it unless you're in a designated area. Public intoxication can be frowned upon, and it’s definitely something that could get you into trouble with local authorities. Some of my friends had a few awkward moments when they tried to take their drinks outside of the hotel, and let's just say, it wasn’t a good look.

If you're looking to grab a drink at a beach bar or in the middle of a bustling city like Marrakesh, you’ll be fine. But walking around with a beer or bottle of wine in a more conservative neighborhood? Not a good idea.

The Morality Behind the Drinking Age

Another important point to mention is that while the legal drinking age is 18, the morality and social acceptability of alcohol drinking are often dictated by Islamic values, which are deeply ingrained in Moroccan society. For locals, alcohol consumption is often seen as a personal choice, and it’s usually kept behind closed doors, away from public view. So, while the law might technically allow for drinking at 18, cultural and religious norms can still make it feel a bit like walking a fine line.

One thing that really stood out to me during my visit was how respectful people were about their different cultural practices. It wasn’t like in some places where there’s judgment for not drinking – people simply expect that you’ll respect their space and their customs, and that’s fair enough.

The Bottom Line: Should You Be Worried?

Honestly, if you’re over 18 and you're in a tourist hotspot, the chances of running into legal trouble are slim. But if you're under 18 or you're in a more traditional part of Morocco, you might face some challenges. I'd say, do your research on where you're staying and what the general vibe of the place is before cracking open a cold one.

And just remember: when in doubt, keep it respectful. If you're not sure, ask around (probably in a more private, discreet way, though).

To sum it up: 18 is the drinking age in Morocco, but always keep in mind the cultural context. Enjoy your time there, respect the local norms, and make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to enjoy a drink!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.