Success for youth protection in Dachau: Better control of sales outlets!

Success for youth protection in Dachau: Better control of sales outlets!

The youth protection campaign “Celebrate Safely in Dachau” has recently achieved positive results, which can be attributed to targeted measures. In November 2025, 16 sales outlets in Dachau and Karlsfeld were checked to ensure compliance with the Youth Protection Act. The tests were carried out by the municipal youth work (Koja) with a 14-year-old intern to check the sale of products containing alcohol and nicotine to minors. During the first inspection campaign at the beginning of the year, only five stores checked the age correctly. However, this number has improved: During the follow-up inspection, most of the previously suspicious businesses behaved more consistently.

What is particularly pleasing is that more stores complied with the legal requirements during the follow-up tests. Of the eleven outlets that failed the first test, most showed significant improvement. However, four businesses again attracted negative attention and can expect fines. The test buyers, who also included nicotine-containing products such as cigarettes and vapes, were often able to purchase products without age controls. The legal requirement stipulates that the sale of tobacco and nicotine-containing products is only permitted to people aged 18 and over, while beer, wine and sparkling wine can be consumed from 16 years of age.

Prevention work and measures

Koja attributes the improved results to various preventive measures that have been increasingly implemented in recent months. This includes information events for traders, workshops and closer cooperation with the police. The aim of this initiative is not only to control but also to strengthen educational youth protection in the Dachau district through education and support. District Administrator Stefan Löwl appealed to all sales outlets to comply with the legal requirements for the protection of minors, as violations can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros.

The Youth Protection Act (JuSchG) provides the basis for these measures. It regulates the consumption and sale of alcohol and tobacco with the main aim of protecting the health of children and young people. The legal age limits are clearly defined: beer, wine and sparkling wine may be consumed and purchased from the age of 16, while the minimum age for spirits and tobacco is 18.

Outlook for future controls

Koja is already planning further control measures as part of the campaign to continue to raise awareness among retailers and the public about the protection of minors. These regular checks are important to ensure that the legal regulations will continue to be observed in the future. The affected retailers will be contacted for further discussions to ultimately ensure the highest possible level of compliance. These actions should be considered as part of a broader approach to minimize the risks of alcohol and tobacco use among young people and to prevent long-term consequences for their health.

Overall, the “Celebrate Safely in Dachau” initiative shows that it is possible to achieve positive changes through targeted educational work and regular controls. Koja sees in her work not only control, but also the responsibility to enable children and young people to develop healthily.

For more information you can read the following articles: South Germans, Dachau District Office and Specialist lawyer.