Shanghai's Public Drinking Laws: Beer Allowed?

Drinking in public is a topic that varies in acceptance around the world. In Shanghai, China, drinking laws are quite relaxed. There is no legal drinking age and alcohol is widely available for purchase in convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants, bars, hotels, and clubs. Drinking in public is generally accepted and there are no laws against it. In fact, drinking is a social and cultural staple in China, with alcohol featuring heavily in traditional folklore and modern-day media.

Shanghai has a diverse range of drinking options, from local start-ups to international craft beer chains. The city also boasts German beer bars, tap houses, and breweries, as well as a variety of food options to accompany your drink of choice.

Drinking laws in Shanghai

Shanghai, and China more generally, has a rich and complex history with alcohol. Drinking is a social activity and a way to build and maintain relationships.

There are no liquor laws in Shanghai worth noting, and no legal drinking age. Alcohol can be bought in any convenience store, supermarket, restaurant, bar, hotel, or club, and may be drunk anywhere. The official closing time for bars is 2 am, though some stay open later on weekends.

Drinking in Shanghai is appropriate during group meals and other social events, such as KTV, business functions, and weddings. Alcohol is also used to celebrate special occasions, like the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, and birthdays.

When drinking with others in China, it is considered rude not to drink when offered a toast. The Chinese phrase "Ganbei" means "cheers" and is used to encourage guests to finish their entire glass. It is not necessary to finish the drink, though it is appreciated. It is also considered rude to start drinking or eating before the host makes a toast.

Drinking in public is widely accepted in China, and there are no laws against it.

Where to buy beer in Shanghai

In Shanghai, there are no liquor laws that restrict where and when you can buy alcohol. This means that you can purchase beer in supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, clubs, and speciality stores.

If you're looking to buy beer in Shanghai, here are some options:

• Supermarkets and convenience stores: These stores typically sell a range of domestic and imported beers. Some popular options include Walmart, 7-Eleven, and FamilyMart.
• Speciality beer stores: If you're looking for a specific type of beer or a wider selection, you can try craft beer stores or speciality beer retailers. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can help you find what you're looking for.
• Bars and clubs: Many bars and clubs in Shanghai sell beer, and you can often purchase it to-go. This can be a great option if you're looking for a particular brand or type of beer that may not be available in a store.
• Hotels: Many hotels in Shanghai sell beer, and some may even have their own breweries or offer a selection of craft beers.
• Restaurants: While restaurants in Shanghai typically serve beer, the selection may be more limited compared to other establishments.
• Online retailers: You can also buy beer online and have it delivered to your location in Shanghai. Some popular online retailers include Craftshack and BeerMenus.

Beer gardens in Shanghai

Shanghai has a rich drinking culture, with alcohol being a large part of social and celebratory events. There is no legal drinking age or liquor laws, and alcohol can be purchased and consumed anywhere, at any time.

• Cotton's (Xinhua Road)- Located in an old mansion, Cotton's features a nice garden restaurant and bar. It offers a mix of Western and Chinese food and has indoor rooms with fireplaces for the winter months.
• Shanghai Brewery (Donghu)- This brewpub has its own beers and a basic American brewpub menu. It also offers happy hour specials every day.
• Kaiba, Belgian Beer Garden (Dingxi)- A beer garden offering a range of Belgian beers.
• Paulaner Bräuhaus- A German restaurant and beer garden with a great atmosphere and location by the river.
• Mikkeller Shanghai- A beer bar with a large selection of bottled and canned beers for drink-in and takeout.
• Uptown Records n' Beer- A small bar in the French Concession district with a wide range of imported beers and vinyl records.
• The Irishmans Pub- A pub offering Guinness, Kilkenny, Kronenbourg, Carlsberg, and Magners on tap, as well as Irish food.
• Jackie's Beer Nest- A popular beer-focused venue in Shanghai.
• Stone Brewing Tap Room Shanghai- Another well-known tap room in the city.
• Goose Island Brewpub Shanghai- A brewpub with a convenient location.
• Drei Kronen 1308 Brauhaus- A beer garden with both indoor and outdoor seating.

These venues offer a mix of local and imported beers, as well as different food options and atmospheres, providing a diverse range of choices for beer enthusiasts in Shanghai.

The official closing time for bars in Shanghai

In the US, for example, the last call and closing times for bars vary depending on the state, county, and municipality. While some states have a general closing time of 2 am, others allow bars to stay open until 3 am or later. Some states, like New York, leave the closing time up to each county, while others, like Texas, have different closing times depending on the day of the week and the population of the city.

In other countries, like the UK, closing times can also depend on the type of license the bar or club has. For instance, in the UK, bars typically close at 11 pm, but those with a late-night license can stay open until 1 am or later. Similarly, in China, while there is no legal drinking age, bars in Shanghai are expected to close at 2 am, but some remain open beyond that.

The last call and closing times for bars can vary significantly across the world, but the official closing time for bars in Shanghai is 2 am, with some staying open later, especially on weekends.

The drinking culture in China

Drinking in China is a serious business and an integral part of the culture. It is a way to build and maintain social relationships, and alcohol is consumed during group meals and other social events, such as KTV, business functions, weddings, and birthdays. Drinking is also used to celebrate special occasions, such as the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, and other festivals.

China has a rich and complex history with alcohol, with long-established traditions and etiquette. The famous Chinese proverb, "酒逢知己千杯少" (Jiǔ féng zhījǐ qiān bēi shǎo), translates to "with a close friend, a thousand cups of wine is far too little", and reflects the importance of drinking in Chinese culture.

Chinese drinking etiquette includes the custom of Ganbei, which means "empty cup" and is used to encourage guests to finish their entire glass. It is considered rude not to at least take a sip when offered a toast. Toasting is usually done with the right hand as a sign of respect, and the left hand can be placed underneath the cup for extra formality. When receiving or offering a glass of alcohol, both hands should always be used. It is also customary for the host or friends to automatically refill each other's glasses whenever they are empty.

Drinking in China is also closely tied to the workplace and business culture. Alcohol is often consumed during work banquets, networking events, and client dinners. It is seen as a way to build trust and respect between companies and clients.

In terms of the types of alcohol consumed in China, Baijiu, a traditional Chinese spirit, remains a favourite among consumers, especially men. However, imported liquors such as brandy and whisky are gaining popularity, and the beer market is also growing steadily, with both local and foreign brands being popular. The wine market has been growing as well, with red wine being the preferred choice in Chinese banquets due to its association with good luck, happiness, and success.

Overall, drinking in China is a complex and important aspect of social and professional life, and it plays a significant role in building and maintaining relationships.

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