Why Is There A Legal Drinking Age?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The majority of countries have a minimum legal drinking age of either 18 or 19-years-old. The most commonly known reason for the law behind the legal drinking age is

the effect on the brain in adolescents

. Since the brain is still maturing, alcohol can have a negative effect on the memory and long-term thinking.

Why is the drinking age 21 and not 18?

In short, we ended up with a national minimum age of 21 because

of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984

. This law basically told states that they had to enact a minimum drinking age of 21 or lose up to 10 percent of their federal highway funding.

Why is the legal drinking age 18?

However, during

the Vietnam War

, the age was reduced to 18 on the grounds that a person who could be conscripted to fight and die for their country should also have the right to alcohol. By 1974, all states and territories had adopted 18 as the legal drinking age.

What is the youngest drinking age in the world?

Although the majority of the countries around the world have set the MLDA at 18 years,

16 years

is considered the youngest drinking age.

Why is the drinking age 19 and not 18?

The age of majority in Canada is 18, so provinces such as Alberta may have opted to make the legal drinking age 18 to coincide with the time that

individuals are legally recognized as adults

.

Can you drink under 21 with a parent?

Only

a parent or guardian

(or a person authorised by the parent or guardian) may supply alcohol to a minor at an unlicensed premises (including a family home), however the supply must be consistent with the responsible supervision of the minor.

Can a 18 year old drink beer?

Along with Oregon, California has the nation's oldest MLDA 21 laws. In 2016,

there was an initiative to lower the drinking age to 18

, but it did not gain much support. … It was done to help parents teach their children the importance of moderation when drinking.

What is Japan's drinking age?

The legal drinking age in Japan is

20

. While this age differs from country by country, as long as you're over 20 years of age, you're free to drink in Japan. (Just be sure to bring your passport with you for ID.) As in many other countries, people under the legal age of 20 also cannot purchase alcohol.

Can my 18 year old drink alcohol at home?

California alcohol laws let those of

any age below 21 have alcohol in private locations

. Except in vehicles. They may drink if a parent, guardian, spouse or other responsible relative age 21 or older is present.

What can u do when ur 18?

  • Vote.
  • Sue or

    be

    sued.
  • Open a bank account in

    your

    own name.
  • Perform professionally abroad.
  • Serve on a jury.
  • Get a tattoo.
  • Buy cigarettes and tobacco.
  • Buy and drink alcohol in a bar.

What country has no drinking age?


Norway

. Technically, you have to be at least 18 years of age to buy alcohol in the country but there is no minimum age limit on the consumption of alcohol.

What is China's drinking age?

Country/ Territory On-premise sale Legislation and regulations Central African Republic [none] [n/a] Chad

18

* Law 2017-01 Penal Code Chapter 6 Art 376-378
Chile 18 Law 19.925 on the Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages China 18* Law on the Protection of Minors as revised in 2006 Art 37

What country can you drink at 13?

Around the world, the age when it's legal to purchase or be served most alcohol products varies from 13 in

Burkina Faso

to 25 in Eritrea. Here's a brief look at how not only the legal drinking age but the culture and parenting around varies across countries.

Can you drink at 16 in Canada?

Canada's Legal Drinking Age

For most of the country, a person can buy and drink alcohol at the age of

18 years old

. In provinces like Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba, underage drinking is allowed for 17-year-old teens as long as it is done under the supervision of parents in their residence.

Can you drink at 16 in Ontario?

Different countries and provinces will vary, but in Ontario, the

legal drinking age is 19

. It is stated that minors (under the age of 19) are not allowed to purchase, sell, or possess any alcohol-related drinks. … There is a little difference in the law for minors over the age of 16.

What's the legal drinking age in Mexico?

The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is

18 years old

. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.