National Minimum Drinking Age Act Essay

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act is a law that prohibits people from purchasing any alcoholic beverage until the age of 21. This law was created in 1984, and told the states that the minimum drinking age should be 21, or they would lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act prohibits those under the age of 21 to purchase alcoholic beverage, but it does not prohibit a person under the age of 21 to drink it, as long as he’s accompanied by an adult or legal guardian or if it’s for religious purposes. Although, new studies show how drinking under the age of 21 can affect the person’s body. Depending on the young adult’s lifestyle the person can be affected in a negative way. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was officially established as the age of 21 in 1984, after organizations like the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) had persuaded the government to set the age to 21, after a number of casualties with victims being the age of 18, died due to drink driving. The law had told the states that they must set their minimum drinking age to 21, or lose ten percent of their federal highway funding. Throughout the …show more content…
If under the age of 21, otherwise known as a “minor” (4) (LaMance, Match), it is illegal to have possession of alcohol, consume alcohol (unless for religious purpose or under adult supervision), use fake ID, or purchase alcohol. If the person is above the age of 21 the law can still affect them if they sell alcohol to a minor, allow a minor to use their ID, allow a minor to consume alcohol on their property, or sell alcohol to someone who fakes their age. Consequences of breaking these laws for minors include fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol awareness courses. Consequences for adults include fines and jail