"We're getting serious": Is it too easy for minors to buy alcohol in France?

It's illegal, yet buying alcohol is child's play for minors . This is what a report from Addictions France, published this Thursday morning, reveals. The figures are frightening. 86% of the businesses tested in the metropolitan areas of Nantes, Angers, and Rennes in May sold alcohol to young people under 18.

When he goes out to buy alcohol, Mathéo, at only 15 years old, already has his little habits. “We do flashes. For example, we take Oasis and mix it with a little vodka,” he jokes.

And clearly, he and his friend Jules have no trouble getting supplies. They have their own techniques for sounding a little older. “We make our voices deep. We speak clearly so we don't have the small voice of young people. But they don't say anything to us, as long as they have the money, it's fine,” he assures us.

An observation Ethan shares. In his first year of high school, he's been drinking every week since he was 15. And his age has never been checked. "Generally, they don't care. Whether it's in stores like Franprix or Monoprix, or we go to grocery stores," he points out.

These are practices that must change, according to Myriam Savy, director of advocacy at Addictions France. She calls for greater control over stores.

"We absolutely need to have systematic checks. And these checks need to be random so that stores can feel confident that they can be punished," she assures.

Invited on RMC this Thursday morning, Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Système U, said he was scandalized by the figures from the study conducted in cities where some of its stores are located.

"It's unacceptable that ID wasn't requested. There's no excuse. When I leave this studio, I'm going to make phone calls to my stores to increase vigilance. Checks must be carried out at the checkout. So our cashiers must be impeccable in this regard. We have no room for error; it's about protecting minors," he insists.

Today, a business that sells alcohol to a minor risks a maximum fine of 7,500 euros.