The bug
The following actions don't work whilst looking at a block in adventure mode:
Opening a written book
Opening a writable book
Using an empty map
Equipping armor
Drinking a potion
Eating food
Using carrot on a stick
Shooting with a bow
Using a fishing rod
Using a shield
How to reproduce
Get one of the items from the list above
Go into adventure mode
Look into a block
Try to use the item by right clicking
Linked issues
is duplicated by 8
MC-125162
Can't shoot in adventure mode
Resolved
MC-127344
Adventure mode player cannot throw splash potions and lingering potions while facing blocks
Resolved
MC-127473
Knowledge books cannot be used in adventure mode
Resolved
MC-127873
Cannot right-click items in adventure mode while focusing a block
Resolved
MC-128086
CanDestroy / CanPlaceOn water on empty bucket does not work when close to water block (Adventure Mode)
Resolved
3 more links
relates to 4
MC-131346
It's possible to place buckets of water, lava or fish in adventure mode
Resolved
MC-136470
Buckets' CanPlaceOn NBT check is applied to the block behind
Resolved
MC-124497
CanPlaceOn inconsistencies involving looking at blocks
Resolved
MC-123183
Cannot eat plantable items when looking at blocks
Resolved
Attachments
Comments 13
3 more comments
Confirmed for 18w14b. A bit more info, it seems to be more related to distance, you can use items if you are 3 or more blocks away while looking at a block. I found this while trying to use a bucket on water.
I added a few pictures that show the lime blocks allow interaction, closer does not.
[media]
[media]
I've also attached a world file showing my findings with the water bucket.
[media]
Can confirm issue. Surprised this has not been assigned or up voted as it will break all adventure maps that require any right click action in close proximity to a block.