What Does Swiss Law Say About Minors In Bars?

(MENAFN- Swissinfo) Of the 40 people who died in the Le Constellation bar fire in Crans-Montana, half were minors with the youngest being 14 years old. This raises the question of their access to bars and nightclubs in Switzerland. What does the law say? This content was published on January 7, 2026 - 11:00 4 minutes Guillaume Martinez, Katharina Kubicek, RTS

• Français fr Que dit la loi sur l'accès des personnes mineures à des bars? Original Read more: Que dit la loi sur l'accès des personnes mineures à des
• Português pt O que a lei diz sobre o acesso de menores de idade a bares? Read more: O que a lei diz sobre o acesso de menores de idade a b
• 中文 zh 瑞士酒吧大火:未成年人怎么进去的? Read more: 瑞士酒吧大火:未成年人怎

There is no national federal law on this matter. Each Swiss canton therefore has its own regulations to protect young people. The key dividing line is 16 years almost everywhere. Above this age limit, there is no problem. But below this age, teenagers must be accompanied by an adult with parental authority to enter a bar or even a café-restaurant serving alcohol in the evening.

The cut-off time at which this restriction applies varies from canton to canton. In Valais, where the tragedy took place, it is set at 10 p.m. Geneva and Neuchâtel are more permissive: adult supervision is only mandatory from midnight onwards. In contrast, in Jura it is 9 p.m., and in Vaud it is at 8 p.m.

No distinction between bars and nightclubs

This regulation applies to bars, refreshment stands and restaurants. And therefore also the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. It should be noted that in Valais, the authorities do not distinguish between bars and nightclubs, unlike most other cantons. The laws are even more restrictive for nightclubs: access is often prohibited to all minors.

According to the law, 14- and 15-year-olds in Crans-Montana should therefore have been accompanied by an adult. This could have been one of their parents or a legal guardian, or another authorised adult. Was this the case on the night of December 31? The investigation will have to determine this.

More More Crans-Montana tragedy: Swiss press question lax regulations and insufficient safety measures

This content was published on Jan 4, 2026 A lack of annual fire safety inspections, a DIY renovation job by owners and inflammable soundproofing panels have prompted accusations of negligence by the Swiss media.

Read more: Crans-Montana tragedy: Swiss press question lax regulations and insufficient safety mea

MENAFN07012026000210011054ID1110568964