Should The U.S. Lower The Drinking Age To 18? The minimum age drinking age across all states in the US is legally set at 21 years. However, there are exceptions varying from one state to the other depending on their legislation mechanism. These exceptions may be based upon various reasons such as drinking under the supervision of an adult, at home or even if it is for medical reasons. MLDA (minimum legal drinking age) has become a contentious subject across the nation. The argument is that should it be lowered from 21 years to 18 years. As usual, there are positives and negatives to this, with others arguing for it and the rest against it.
Those that are of this opinion state that it has not brought teenage drinking to a halt but rather taken …show more content…
There are 3 states that have their age of majority set above the age of 18 years, namely: Nebraska (19 years), Alabama (19 years) and Mississippi (21 years) ("2009 Drunk Driving Statistics," n.p). Despite the fact that these 3 states have their age of majority set above 18 years, some rights, for instance the right to vote, is still set at 18 years. There is incongruity between the age of majority-including its rights and responsibilities-and the MLDA. These differences together with reports of continuous occurrences of alcohol abuse in colleges and institutions of higher learning have sparked discussions on whether setting the MLDA at 21 years of age is reasonable, smart and effectual or not (Cornick …show more content…
These people end up not seeking medical attention because they fear legal actions being taken against them. From that point of view, if the MLDA was reduced to 18 years of age, these cases would also be reduced. The economy would also benefit from the lowering of the MLDA from 21 to 18 years. Licensed establishments such as restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars would be filled with more customers who are legally allowed to drink. The government would benefit from an increase in tax revenue collections because the private business owners would be having higher revenues
Those that are of this opinion state that it has not brought teenage drinking to a halt but rather taken …show more content…
There are 3 states that have their age of majority set above the age of 18 years, namely: Nebraska (19 years), Alabama (19 years) and Mississippi (21 years) ("2009 Drunk Driving Statistics," n.p). Despite the fact that these 3 states have their age of majority set above 18 years, some rights, for instance the right to vote, is still set at 18 years. There is incongruity between the age of majority-including its rights and responsibilities-and the MLDA. These differences together with reports of continuous occurrences of alcohol abuse in colleges and institutions of higher learning have sparked discussions on whether setting the MLDA at 21 years of age is reasonable, smart and effectual or not (Cornick …show more content…
These people end up not seeking medical attention because they fear legal actions being taken against them. From that point of view, if the MLDA was reduced to 18 years of age, these cases would also be reduced. The economy would also benefit from the lowering of the MLDA from 21 to 18 years. Licensed establishments such as restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars would be filled with more customers who are legally allowed to drink. The government would benefit from an increase in tax revenue collections because the private business owners would be having higher revenues