Why Is US Drinking Age So High?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The age was raised back to

21 over federal highway funding

. In 1984, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act passed, which stated federal highway funds would be withheld from U.S. states that failed to set the minimum legal drinking age back at 21.

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.

Does the US have the highest drinking age?

Of the 190 countries, 61% have a drinking age of 18 or 19 years old. The United States and 11 other countries have an MLDA of

21 years old

, the highest MLDA of all the countries where it is legal to drink (although some areas of India have drinking ages as high as 25 and 30 years old).

Why the US should lower the drinking age to 18?

If the legal drinking age was lowered to 18,

people wouldn't have to jeopardize their futures by obtaining and using false identifications

. Many underage drinkers will quickly consume larger amounts of alcohol prior to going out instead of drinking over an extended period of time.

Is the drinking age 18 anywhere in the US?

Although the minimum legal age to purchase alcohol

is 21

in all states and most territories (see National Minimum Drinking Age Act), the legal details for consumption vary greatly. While a few states completely ban alcohol usage for people under 18, the majority have exceptions that permit consumption.

What is the youngest drinking age in any country?

Youngest Drinking Age

At least eight countries and regions have set their MLDA at

16 years

. These countries include Barbados, the British Virginia Islands, Cuba, Luxembourg, Panama, Serbia, Serbia, and Zimbabwe.

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.

What's the youngest drinking age in America?

A Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) of

21

saves lives and protects health. Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws specify the legal age when an individual can purchase alcoholic beverages. The MLDA in the United States is 21 years.

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 drinks the most alcohol?

Rank Country Alcohol consumption in liters of pure alcohol per capita per year 1

Belarus

14.4
2 Lithuania 12.9 3 Grenada 11.9 4 Czech Republic 11.8

Will the US lower its drinking age?

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. … The 21-year-old limit may be less effective at curbing binge drinking on college campuses, however.

What is the legal drinking age in Russia 2021?

In Russia, the legal drinking age is usually

eighteen

. Usually, because there are some exceptions to that case. Technically, stronger alcohol such as cognac and vodka is sold only to those over 21.

What states can you drink at 18?

Plus, in North Carolina, you can pour beer and wine at eighteen, but not liquor until you are 21. 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 18 year olds drink alcohol in California?

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.

Can you drink at 18 in Georgia?

Although the law says you can't drink until you're

21 years of age

, in Georgia and many other states, there are some circumstances in which a young person may imbibe alcoholic beverages. For example, children may consume alcohol for medical reasons if a doctor prescribes it.

Can you drink in Florida at 18?

Florida's

drinking age is 21

. Anyone under that age is legally prohibited from possessing or purchasing alcohol. … (Oddly, however, Florida law expressly permits a person over 18 to taste alcohol if it is part of the person's curriculum as a student at an accredited college.)

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.