The National Drinking Age: What Needs To Be Done?

Alex Mello

American Government - Period 2

Introduction
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The National Minimum Drinking Age in the United States is, at the moment, 21. The

majority of people in the United States, when asked if the MLDA should be lowered, will

respond with No. However, after looking at the facts, the statistics, the history, and the social

effects that an MLDA of 21 has on a country; it is easy to question whether or not having an

MLDA of 21 is beneficial for society. And additionally, whether or not lowering it would be the

key to unlocking one of the biggest problems that America faces. Alcohol related deaths and

incidents. This research paper will address the underlying reasons that the U.S. has an MLDA of

21 right now, why the MLDA should be lowered to 18, and the possible effects that having an

MLDA of 18 would have on society.

Alex Mello

Mr. Hawkins
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American Government, Period 2

16 November 2016

Sub Point #1

Why is the Minimum Legal Drinking Age at Twenty One?

In response to the staggering numbers of underaged drinking related deaths and incidents,

lowering the minimum drinking age in America has been hotly debated throughout the past few

years. There are sound arguments on both sides of the debate such as one for the con side; that

lowering the drinking age would be irresponsible because of the effect that alcohol has on an

individual's health. Based on extensive research, the fact the the MLDA should be lowered to 18

has become clear. However, before we look why the MLDA should be lowered, we must first

look at why the MLDA is at twenty one in the first place. Overall, the MLDA was put at twenty

one because of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, English Common Law, and

statistics pointing to less alcohol related accidents with a MLDA of twenty one.

The first reason that the MLDA is at twenty one in the U.S is because of the National

Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. This act was a strong armed move by the federal

government that more or less forced the states to comply by threatening a decrease in funding

towards freeways. The act basically forced the states to raise their minimum legal drinking age to

twenty one or they would lose 10% on the funding for their highways. One website addresses the

fact that the states were basically blackmailed into reforming their drinking laws Since that's

serious coin, the states jumped into line fairly quickly. (Why is the Drinking Age 21?). This

way of forcing states into line is a startling revelation because the way that the federal

government can manipulate the freedom of the states indirectly is much easier than it should be.

Additionally, even though the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 prohibited the
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purchase of alcohol, it didnt technically prohibit the consumption of alcohol for people under

the age of twenty one. Interestingly, this law doesn't prohibit drinking per se; it merely

cajoles states to outlaw purchase and public possession by people under twenty one. (Why

is the Drinking Age 21?). This is an important element of the issue because the only thing that

the law is preventing is adults under the age of twenty one from purchasing alcohol, not

consuming it. It is also important to take into account that the National Minimum Drinking

Age Act of 1984 did not prohibit drinking by persons under the age of twenty one (so-called

underage persons) nor does it require the states to prohibit such drinking. This act just

kind of forced states into enacting a law that a person under the age of twenty one cannot

publicly drink and purchase alcohol. So it is merely a measure taken by the federal government

to try and enforce a higher MLDA.

Another reason that the MLDA is at twenty one in the US is because of the English

common law that stated that twenty one was the age that someone becomes an adult. The

concept that a person becomes a full adult at age twenty one dates back centuries in

English common law (Why is the Drinking Age 21?). When a person is twenty one in

England was the age at which a person was an adult. This is actually a reason that the MLDA

should be lowered to a younger age, because eighteen is the age at which a person is considered

an adult in the US. Interestingly enough, Young people aged 16 or 17 [In England] 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 people under eighteen to buy alcohol in a pub, off-licence, shop or

elsewhere. (BBC 1). So, even in England, the place where the idea of twenty one being the age

at which someone can legally drink does not have an MLDA of twenty one. Yet America still

have an MLDA of twenty one, it makes sense though. Afterall, America is normally not the first
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country to have good reform. According to a poll on the BBC website, 73 percent of people

believe that children should be able to drink alcohol at home. This makes it evident that

European countries are much more forward thinking than the American government. People in

European countries have experienced having a lowered MLDA in todays social and economic

climate and prefer the conditions much more than having one that is higher.

The final reason that the MLDA was put at twenty one in the United States is because

statistics from the mid 90s led to the conclusion that having a higher MLDA would prevent less

alcohol related accidents. One example of this is that Lowering MLDA twenty one to

eighteen will irresponsibly allow a greater segment of the population to drink alcohol in

bars and nightclubs, which are not safe environments. (ProCon 1). This website stated that

76% of all bar have sold alcohol to an intoxicated person and half of the people arrested for

driving under the influence of alcohol got drunk at a bar. The website is basically saying that if

the MLDA is lowered, then there will be more people getting drunk and getting into trouble.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that MLDA

twenty one decreased the number of fatal traffic accidents for eighteen to twenty-year-olds

by 13% and saved approximately 27,052 lives from 1975-2008. (ProCon 2). This

speculation is another example of how estimated statistics contributed to the raising of the

MLDA from eighteen to twenty one. Advocators of lowering the MLDA believe that banning

something from adults that isnt necessarily dangerous to everyone is in violation of peoples

constitutional right. "The percentage of eighteen- to twenty one-year-old binge drinkers has

not budged in the 25 years since the minimum legal drinking age was raised, and the

number of young people consuming alcohol before turning twenty one is more than 80

percent of the total population," (McCardell 1). Even though there are statistics pointing to
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positive reasons to keeping the MLDA at twenty one, there are also statistics that point to

lowering it. Either way, statistics that show a decrease in alcohol related accidents with an

MLDA of twenty one are one of the reasons that the MLDA is at twenty one.

The MLDA was put at twenty one because of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act

of 1984, English Common Law, and statistics pointing to less alcohol related accidents with a

MLDA of twenty one. There are some good reasons for keeping the MLDA at twenty one, but is

keeping it at an age above the age of adulthood the proper way to go about things, or should

adults be able to decide what they want to do in their lives without government interference?

Sub Point #2

Why should the National Minimum Drinking Age be Eighteen?

After looking at the historical and social reasons that the MLDA is twenty one in the
United States; it is starting to become evident that a change in the federal law is needed. Many of
the reasons that the MLDA is at twenty one in the first place is because of outdated or irrelevant
things that no longer apply. The National Minimum Drinking Age should be lowered to eighteen
because eighteen is the age of adulthood in the U.S.A, the MLDA that is already in place is
largely ineffective, and allowing eighteen - twenty year-olds to drink would decrease unsafe
drinking activity.
The first reason the the MLDA should be lowered to eighteen is because eighteen is the
age of adulthood in the United States. Being an adult should mean that they can make their own
decisions, whether those decisions be good or bad is up to them ...adults should have the right
to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption...Turning 18 entails receiving the
rights and responsibilities of adulthood [and] joining the military - which includes risking
one's life. (ProCon 1). Eighteen year-olds can join the military and fight for their county, even
if an eighteen year-old does not want to serve they are still obligated to sign up for the draft. The
fact that they still arent allowed to legally purchase alcohol, but are allowed to die for their
country is an atrocity. Furthermore, joining the military is not the only thing that adults can do
before being able to purchase alcohol. An 18 year old in US has the right to vote...If an 18
year old can make up their mind as to who the potential leader of the country...they should
have every right to purchase and drink alcohol. (Engs 1). If the government can trust the
judgement of its nations eighteen to twenty year-olds to pick the next president, then they should
trust the judgment that they have when purchasing alcohol. The fact that the MLDA is still about
the age of adulthood in a huge inconvenience, and it lacks reason. Still, there are some people
who would say that keeping the MLDA at twenty one is a good idea because of statistics that
point to a decrease alcohol related incidents with an MLDA of twenty one. However, ...these
declines started in 1980 before the national 1987 law which mandated states to have 21 year
old alcohol purchase laws. (Blocked 1). So, the argument that having an MLDA of twenty one
will decrease alcohol related accidents is without merit because there is no data to support it.
This brings up another point, the fact that there will always be drinking related accidents no
matter what the MLDA is. Even if there were complete prohibition of alcohol, there would still
be alcohol related accidents.
The second reason that the MLDA should be lowered to eighteen is because the MLDA
that is already in place is largely ineffective. According to the National Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse, underage drinking accounts for 17.5% ($22.5 billion) of consumer
spending for alcohol in the United States. In 2006, 72.2% of twelfth graders reported
drinking alcohol at some point in their lives. (ProCon 2). These statistics speak for
themselves in a way. The MLDA is relatively ineffective in all aspects, teenagers that want to
drink alcohol are going to drink alcohol regardless of any rule or law that is in place. Putting the
MLDA at eighteen will reduce the number of eighteen year-olds that are getting arrested and/or
fined for drinking illegally. It would also in some ways reduce the number of teenages that
participate in drinking. Anyone under 21 sees alcohol as a forbidden fruit. The curiosity
leads to more people under the age of 21 drinking anyway. (Blocked 2). If drinking is made
legal for adults eighteen and older, it will serve much better, as the curiosity isnt as high and the
fruit is no longer forbidden. This idea is something that the government should try to start
implementing in new laws. Although the legal purchase age is 21 years of age, a majority of
college students under this age consume alcohol but in an irresponsible manner. (Engs 2).
As of right now many college students are being thrown into a world where binge drinking is a
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part of life, and rather than drinking responsibly they are put into an atmosphere where drinking
illegally and irresponsibly is the norm. Lowering the MLDA would give college kids a chance to
try it out in an atmosphere where they don't feel like they need to drink irresponsibly.
The government should be putting more effort into promoting responsible drinking than
attempting to enforce no drinking. Often times illegal and irresponsible go hand in hand. To sum
it all up, the National Minimum Drinking Age should be lowered to eighteen because eighteen is
the age of adulthood in the U.S.A, the MLDA that is already in place is largely ineffective, and
allowing eighteen - twenty year-olds to drink would decrease unsafe drinking activity.

Subtopic #3
What would happen if the MLDA were lowered to 18?
After looking at the reasons that the MLDA should be lowered to 18, it is appropriate to
look at the effects that such a controversial step would result in. Looking at numerous projections
and statistics, points to the fact that having an MLDA of 18 would greatly benefit the well-being
of the society in which this MLDA resides. If the MLDA were lowered to 18, there would be less
alcohol related incidents, there would be less under aged drinking, and there would be more
much more people drinking responsibly.
The MLAD in the United States were lowered to 18 there would be less alcohol related
incidents. One of the highest contributors of alcohol related incidents is college students The
fact that they dont know when they will be able to drink again is [why they get] overly
drunk when they get a chance. As a result, there are problems as serious as deaths.
(Cognac 1). With the lowering of the MLAD, these college students will not feel obligated to
lover drink at parties, because they know that they can get alcohol whenever they want. Another
way that an MLDA of 18 would lower alcohol related incidents is because 18 - 20 year olds
would be able to drink in controlled environments. The legal drinking age should be lowered
to about 18 or 19 and young adults allowed to drink in controlled environments such as
restaurants, taverns, pubs and official school and university functions. (Egns 1). The main
reason that 18 - 20 year olds have so many alcohol related incidents is because they drink in
unsupervised conditions. If the MLDA were lowered to 18 then these teenagers will have the
ability to drink in controlled environments. Finally, having an MLDA of 18 has been proven to
lower the amount of alcohol related incidents Countries such as Italy, China, Greece are
some of the countries where the legal drinking age is lower and they seem to have fewer
alcohol related problems. (Cognac 2). Current laws, in terms of legal drinking age has caused
more alcohol related deaths than there has ever been. Lowering the MLDA is the best thing that
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we can do to lower the risk of alcohol related deaths. Additionally, there would be much less
under aged drinking.
If the MLAD in the United States were lowered to 18 there would be less underage

drinkers. Anyone under 21 sees alcohol as a forbidden fruit...If drinking is made legal for

the 18 and older, it will serve much better... (Cognac 1). If the MLDA is lowered to 18 then

the stigma and the pressure to do something that is seen as a forbidden fruit will no longer exist.

Kids will no longer feel pressured into drinking by their friends. Another way that lowering the

MLDA to 18 would result in less underage drinkers is by looking at European countries. I

remember being fascinated by the level of respect and control young Europeans had when

they drank...These kids knew how much alcohol they could handle because they were

taught about it in an upfront, transparent way. (Fulton 1). European teenagers are raised in

a way that they have a respect and knowledge of what they can handle. Unlike America, where

parents coddle their children and expect that they will never drink. This results in teenagers that

over drink and end up getting into car crashes. The fact that they dont know when they will

be able to drink again is the reason most college students tend to get overly drunk when

they get a chance. As a result there are problems as serious as deaths. (Cognac 2). If

teenagers were able to buy and drink legally, then they would not feel the need to over drink

when there is alcohol present. Lowering the MLDA would allow teenagers to buy and drink

legally, thus making underage binge drinking less common. Teenagers would also be drinking

much more responsibly.

If the MLAD in the United States were lowered to 18 there would be more responsible

drinkers. With the MLDA at 21 now, teens are abusing alcohol and drinking irresponsibly This

increase in abusive drinking behavior is due to "underground drinking" outside of adult

supervision in student rooms and apartments were same age individuals congregate and
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because of lack of knowledge of responsible drinking behaviors. (Egns 1). Because of the

MLDA of 21, teenagers are forced to drink in secret in conditions where they are not supervised

or mediated. This results in overdrinking. However, if the MLDA were 18, the results would be

completely different. When drinking is made legal for anyone under the age of 21 and over

18, drinking takes place in public. It can then be supervised by police, security guards and

health workers as well. (cognac.com 1). If the MLDA were lowered to 18 then teenagers

would not have to hide their drinking from their parents and/or the police. Therefore they would

be able to drink in supervised areas such as bars or pubs. They [Europeans] seem to approach

alcohol more responsibly than young Americans do. (Fulton 1). The reason that Europeans

are so responsible with their alcohol is because they have been taught from a young age to

respect it. If America lowers its MLDA to 18 then in a few years there will be a generation of

teenagers that have respect and responsibility with alcohol that they will teach to their children.

Works Cited
"15 Reasons Why Drinking Age Should Be 18." Cognac.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

"21: Science's Limit When It Comes to the Drinking Age." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 June
2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

"Drinking Age ProCon.org." ProConorg Headlines. N.p., 11 May 2016. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.
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Engs, Ruth, Dr. "Why Drinking Age Should Be Lowered: Dr. Ruth Engs." Why Drinking Age
Should Be Lowered: Dr. Ruth Engs. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.

Fulton, Wil. "Is It Time to Lower the Drinking Age to 18?" Thrillist. N.p., 24 Nov. 2016. Web. 14
Dec. 2016.

Gonchar, Michael. "Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered?" The New York Times. The New York
Times, 19 Feb. 2015. Web. 14 Dec. 2016.