Curfew may see concert ban for German children

German children could be barred from going to evening pop concerts and Christmas markets without an adult chaperone if the family minister’s proposal for a curfew to try to curb binge drinking is passed.

But her suggestion has already drawn strong criticism from inside chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling centre-right coalition.

German government statistics show the number of people in the 15-20 age bracket ending up in hospital with alcohol poisoning rose by nearly 3 per cent in 2010 from the year before.

Under family minister Kristina Schröder’s bill, children under 16 would be barred from taking part in public events where alcohol is available after 8pm, and those aged 16 to 18 would not be able to do so after midnight. Young people would be allowed to stay in these spaces only if accompanied by a parent or person with parental power.

The Free Democrats (FDP), the liberal junior partner in Ms Merkel’s coalition, called Ms Schröder’s proposals unworkable. The economy ministry, run by FDP leader Philipp Roesler, said the plans would interfere with private life and have negative effects on the organisers of public events.