The minimum buying and drinking age in Spain is 18, which is fairly young compared to the rest of the world. This includes buying alcohol in bars and clubs, restaurants and shops. However, those under the age of 18 can buy beer or wine if they are with their parents, and there’s no minimum age for drinking alcohol inside the home, so it’s up to parents to decide whether they think their child should be allowed to drink.
Public drinking is only prohibited in some cities or parts of cities, regulated by local laws like in Barcelona. In Barcelona, fines for public drinking can go as high as 3,000 EUR.
The practice of botellón (public binge drinking) is relatively popular among teenagers and young adults partly in response to rising drink prices at bars or clubs, and partly because more people can meet in one place.