thoughts on Butterbeer

[magicalme9]

No: HPFGUIDX 64886

If this has been discussed before I'm sorry and could someone be so 
kind as to point me to the message number(s).

In GoF, can't remember which chapter, but it's the scene when HRH are 
down in the kitchens and watch Winky drown herself in Butterbeer. Ron 
says something along the lines that at least it is not strong and 
Dobby replies that it is strong for a house elf. I don't know how the 
laws are in England, but in my country anything with a bit of alcohol 
isn't allowed for kids under 18 (or 16 for beer I think). I know the 
young wizards aren't allowed to drink Firewhisky, as 
Hermione "reminds" Ron in OotP, but could anyone tell me why 13 year 
old wizards and witches are allowed to drink Butterbeer? Maybe the 
bit of alcohol doesn't have much influence in magical people, but it 
strikes me as somehow odd and it's been bothering me for the last 3 
books.
magicalme (desperately waiting for some answer)