Pubs (short for "public houses") are central to British social life and have existed in some form for centuries. They serve beer, wine, spirits and increasingly food. Most are owned by large breweries (the "tied" pubs) or by pub-restaurant groups; an "independent" or "free house" is owned by its landlord. The licensee — the named person responsible for the pub — must hold a personal licence and the premises must hold a separate premises licence.
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You must be 18 to buy alcohol in a pub or off-licence in the UK. People aged 16 or 17 may drink (but not buy) beer, wine or cider with a meal at a table if accompanied by an adult. Children under 16 are usually allowed in pubs only when accompanied by an adult and only in family-friendly areas.
You may be asked the legal age to buy alcohol (18), or what a "licensee" is.
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