German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is pushing for a ban on 'supervised drinking' for teenagers aged 14 to 16. Currently, German law allows teens to consume beer, wine, or sparkling wine when accompanied by a guardian.

Lauterbach argues that adult presence doesn't mitigate alcohol's harmful effects on children.

The proposal has gained support from health officials in Bavaria and Berlin, who emphasize the risks to adolescents' physical and mental development.

This initiative comes as Germany faces high alcohol consumption rates, ranking among the top ten countries globally.

The World Health Organization reports that alcohol-related deaths disproportionately affect young adults aged 20-39.