Objectives: In France, the DGS sought to assess compliance with the ban on selling alcohol to minors through a survey of retailers’ knowledge, opinions, and behaviors. Method: Among several complex regulations, the general ban on sales to those under 16 was the primary focus of the study. The survey was conducted in the spring of 2005 using quantitative questionnaire-based interviews with a representative sample of beverage retailers randomly selected from the stratified database of relevant businesses. Responses from 1,005 establishments were analyzed. Results: Only a very small minority have a precise understanding of the law. Vendors of beverages for on-premises consumption report better knowledge than those selling takeout beverages. However, only 25% of the latter have practices that are uncertain or contrary to the law’s objectives; 39% even refuse to sell to those under 18. About a quarter of the entire sample believes that beer is exempt from the ban on sales to those under 16. Discussion: Methodological difficulties specific to self-reported surveys on legal topics were noted. Conclusion: The complexity of French laws regarding minors’ access to alcohol sales justifies a wide range of personal interpretations among retailers. (R.A.)