Buying liquor for minors remains childishly simple, much to the chagrin of bar owner Bo

Her brown cafe is on the corner of the street. On the front a sign flashes ‘open’ in red lights, but when you enter it is still quiet. Not surprising, because it is still early in the afternoon. Empty pool tables and bar stools fill the space. Bo Lee is behind the bar. While making a cup of coffee, she says: “Yes, it happens that children under 18 drink some, but I don’t serve it. It is then taken by an older friend, who then gives it to their friends. “

Not welcome anymore

She is not very happy with her young guests. According to her, the group of under-18s has grown enormously in recent years and mainly causes nuisance. She often stands alone, which makes enforcement impossible. That is why she has taken a rigorous decision: no more access for young people under the age of 18.

“It was really done,” she says. “It gives me stress and sleepless nights. They often cause a huge mess of cigarette butts, but they don’t have money to really consume. Then they start with a soft drink, but at the end of the ride I see them walking with a beer .”

It got so bad that she decided to inform the local police officer: “He said that I have to give them an official bar ban or put a bouncer in front of the door. A bouncer costs way too much money. Then I might as well stay closed .”

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With the greatest of ease

A little further on, students from a secondary school trickle out of the building. With large backpacks and sometimes rickety bicycles, they start their way home. 17-year-old Thom walks up with a cigarette in his hand and says: “Getting alcohol in the pub or sports club has become a bit more difficult lately. But I have my parents, they just get it for me.”

It is perhaps conceivable that the difference between 17 and 18 years may be difficult to see. But sometimes they are even a lot younger. Two 14-year-old friends are chatting on a corner. One is a bit reserved, but the other talks effortlessly about the ease with which they get beer: “If there is a party or something, a fair for example, you just get it. I don’t get checked often. Then I drink a beer or Bacardi. “

Pim and Mark, aged 13, have the solution: they will simply not drink alcohol at all. At most only after their studies. “Yes, that’s useful. Because I’ve learned that if you do, you can’t learn very well.”