Loophole which will allow Luke Littler to drink alcohol following Darts win despite his age

Unlike a lot of us, Luke Littler will surely remember life as a 16-year-old very fondly.

He made history after earning a spot in the final of the PDC World Darts Championship, won the first senior title of his short career and had a taste of what it's like to be a national hero thanks to his incredible throwing skills.

The only thing he can't taste, though, is a cold, crisp pint after putting his all in - which, as many darts lovers will know, is often more rewarding than the payday you could potentially receive for winning.

Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration.

Littler bagged an early birthday present - in the form of £20,000 in prize money - after winning the Bahrain Masters on 19 January when he beat Michael Van Gerwen and claimed his first senior PDC title.

Although a lot of us would head straight to the nearest boozer to celebrate, the darts prodigy is still under the legal age of 18 to drink alcohol, so prefers to mark the occasion with a kebab.

It's the simple things, isn't it?

However, there is a loophole in the law which could allow Littler to raise a glass to his achievements and commemorate his 17th trip around the sun when he celebrates his birthday tomorrow (21 January).

Tom Dulat/Getty Images

If you've watched The Inbetweeners, then you are probably already well versed in the legalities surrounding teenage drinking.

Remember when Will Mackenzie whipped out his pocket edition of Teenagers Know Your Rights! while arguing with the landlord in a Toby Carvery about serving him?

And at the end of the day, the geeky schoolboy did know his stuff and ended up walking away with three pints of cider - and three carvery dinners - but the point is, he got the booze.

Getty Stock Images

The law is pretty clear when it states that anyone under 18 is forbidden from buying alcohol or drinking in a place other than a private house.

The darts player can't ask anyone to go in the shop for a tipple for him; however, as we all know, it is an offence for an adult to purchase booze for those under legal age.

Luckily for Littler, the UK allows those aged 16 or 17 to have a beer, wine or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult at a licensed premises.

But he won't be hitting the strong stuff - as it's still illegal for people his age to drink spirits in any pub in the UK - even if he has ordered some grub alongside it.

A Toby Carvery to celebrate turning 17 it is then. We'll see you there, Littler.

Topics: Luke Littler, UK News, Food And Drink, Sport

Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

@livburke_