Should America lower the drinking age?
Lowering the drinking age will invite more use of illicit drugs among 18-21 year olds. A peer-reviewed study from the Journal of Studies of Alcohol and Drugs found that the younger a person begins to drink alcohol the more likely it is that they will use other illicit drugs.
Is America the only place you have to be 21 to drink?
The US is currently among 11 countries which have 21 as the minimum legal drinking age, one of the highest of all the countries where it is legal to drink. India is the exception, where some states have a minimum drinking age as high as 25 and 30 years old.
Why lowering the drinking age to 18 is a good idea?
Lower drinking age would allow for increased education, greater safety among young people, college students. If students were aware of their tolerance before entering college, they would be less likely to over-consume alcohol, which could lower the rate of crimes associated with alcohol consumption.
What states can u drink at 18?
As you can see, it quickly gets confusing when it comes to the minimum legal age and liquor. There are only five states with no exceptions to the federal law: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia.
Can you drink 16 UK?
Young people aged 16 or 17 can drink beer, wine or cider with a meal if it is bought by an adult and they are accompanied by an adult. It is illegal for this age group to drink spirits in pubs even with a meal. It is illegal for people under 18 to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence, shop or elsewhere.
When did the legal drinking age change from 18 to 21?
Between 1970 and 1976, 30 states lowered their Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) from 21 to 18, 19, or 20. [3] The enactment of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 [4] prompted states to raise their legal age for purchase or public possession of alcohol to 21 or risk losing millions in federal highway funds.
Is it legal for under-age drinking in the US?
In most states they permit those under 21 to drink. The places and situations differ. People commonly think that it’s illegal for anyone in the US under 21 to drink alcohol. But that’s simply not true. This myth about under-age drinking laws intimidates many parents. They’re afraid to teach their children how to drink in moderation.
Does raising the legal drinking age really save lives?
The NHTSA estimates that raising the national legal drinking age from 18 to 21 has saved more than 500 lives each year. “Research shows that it saves lives,” agreed MADD National President Jan Withers. “In fact, it is one of the most researched public health laws on the books.
Does lowering the legal drinking age stop teen drinking?
Proponents of lowering the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from 21 argue that it has not stopped teen drinking, and has instead pushed underage binge drinking into private and less controlled environments, leading to more health and life-endangering behavior by teens.