<P> The Youth Protection Act uses the term Branntwein--which was originally the German word for brandy--to refer to all distilled alcohol beverages . Branntwein has been superseded by Weinbrand in modern German to specifically refer to brandy . </P> <P> Because of moral panic involving alcohol abuse among minors (a 16 - year - old boy died after having consumed 45 shots of tequila in a bar in early 2007), some people demanded that the drinking age be raised . Most politicians, however, spoke against that notion, pointing out instead that such abuse was already forbidden according to current laws, which simply needed to be enforced . In Germany and the rest of Europe, alcohol consumption by adolescents is traditional and generally accepted . </P> <P> Violation of restraints will involve prosecution for vendors who sell alcohol to underage persons and also for bystanders who do not intervene in underage drinking . Although restrictions are nationwide and well - known, some salespersons violate the law at times . Minors themselves can never be prosecuted for alcohol consumption under age . Supermarkets and stores generally check minors for their identity card . The law is less thoroughly enforced in many bars and restaurants, but this can vary by location . </P> <P> In 2008, the federal state of Lower Saxony started a series of trap purchases, conducted by specially trained police cadets, aged 16 or 17, who pose as customers . In 77% of all tests alcohol was sold illegally in shops, filling stations and kiosks . In 2009, about 3000 trap purchases were carried out in Lower Saxony, in 1327 cases (44%) alcohol was sold without age verification to underage persons . Hundreds of summary proceedings led to administrative fines ranging from 500 to 3000 euros . The standard rate for the illegal sale of one bottle of spirits is 1500 euros . Thus, alcohol trap purchases bring a return of around € 2 million annually . Other German states, especially Schleswig - Holstein, are considering implementing the Lower Saxony model, but states like Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony - Anhalt, Thuringia and Baden - Württemberg object to it . </P>

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