Do you think the drinking age should be lowered from 21 to 18?

Jewel Nicole:

Everybody's body metabolizes at different rates.

It's a general rule. Children should not drink alcohol because it could mess with their growth.

I know everyone metabolises alcohol differently, I don't have the enzyme that breaks down alcohol so I get tipsy on my first glass of wine.

And Sing:

It's a general rule. Children should not drink alcohol because it could mess with their growth.

I know everyone metabolises alcohol differently, I don't have the enzyme that breaks down alcohol so I get tipsy on my first glass of wine.

Eighteen isn't a child though; it's an adult.

Jewel Nicole:

Eighteen isn't a child though; it's an adult.

Some countries the drinking age is 16.

Anyone under 16 shouldn't drink alcohol.

And Sing:

Some countries the drinking age is 16.

Anyone under 16 shouldn't drink alcohol.

I'm talking about the US. The drinking age is 21 and no one under 21 is allowed to drink alcohol.

I disagree with that. If an eighteen year old can pay taxes, enlist in the military, and is considered in an adult in legal terms; then they should be able to buy a drink.

Or

The age to pay taxes, enlist in the military, and be considered an adult should be changed to 21.

Jewel Nicole:

I'm talking about the US. The drinking age is 21 and no one under 21 is allowed to drink alcohol.

I disagree with that. If an eighteen year old can pay taxes, enlist in the military, and is considered in an adult in legal terms; then they should be able to buy a drink.

Or

The age to pay taxes, enlist in the military, and be considered an adult should be changed to 21.

Ah, well here in Australia the drinking age is 18 and there are people who think the drinking age should be 21. Like it used to be, apparently.

If your old enough for the government to fuck with you, you should have the right to fuck with yourself. Blunt, but true.

Tharikifa:

If your old enough for the government to fuck with you, you should have the right to fuck with yourself. Blunt, but true.

It is blunt, but I like that quote.

And Sing:

Minors should not drink alcohol because they can't metabolise it properly. It's not just because of the law, it's because of medical reasons.

What law? Most alcohol laws only legislate against the purchase of alcohol. The actual consumption isn't often prohibited. Drinking is allowed over the age of five in my country. In most European countries it's normal for children to drink wine with meals. I don't think it's a big deal if you're only having small amounts.

elizabeth gaskell:

What law? Most alcohol laws only legislate against the purchase of alcohol. The actual consumption isn't often prohibited. Drinking is allowed over the age of five in my country. In most European countries it's normal for children to drink wine with meals. I don't think it's a big deal if you're only having small amounts.

Here in Australia if caught, I believe an adult can be charged for giving minors alcohol. Or that's what they're trying to bring in.

^ What about liqueur chocolates -you know, the ones shaped like bottles with liquid inside-? I'm only asking because I just had some and I remember eating them when I was a kid too. Is it illegal to let your children eat them in Australia?

And Sing:

Here in Australia if caught, I believe an adult can be charged for giving minors alcohol. Or that's what they're trying to bring in.

I believe there may be something like that here in America too... but if the adult is a parent and the minor is their kid, I do not know of any enforcement of this law. I'm not 21 yet but neither of my parents are against me drinking. I'm just not allowed in bars or to purchase it myself quite yet. Most parents I know, my own and many of my friends' think that the drinking age should be lowered to 18. There are, of course, those who still think it should be 21 though... and thus why that law persists.

@kafka: the amount of alcohol is negligible.

@pen. leaf: I think if parents are caught they can be charged here in Australia.

I'm from the US and the drinking age is 21. Personally I think it's ridicious. And the road accidents I think would go down. If teenagers could drink legally in their own home they wouldn't have to throw keggars in the woods and then attempt to drive home.

Dr. Mrs. Vandertramp:

I'm from the US and the drinking age is 21. Personally I think it's ridicious. And the road accidents I think would go down. If teenagers could drink legally in their own home they wouldn't have to throw keggars in the woods and then attempt to drive home.

Your statement sounds like you think that those legally allowed to drink, which means those 21 and over that drink, cause no road accidents or deaths?

What's the importance of a rule if no one follows it?

InspirasiGirl:

What's the importance of a rule if no one follows it?

No matter the rule it will always be broken. If every single person followed rules as they were supposed to we wouldn't live in the world that we do today. Not saying that it's a good thing that rules are broken, just that it does happen.

Does it matter? Stupid teenagers are still gonna find a way to get drinks illegally, because they think getting wasted is so freaking cool. Talk to me when you're 30 and have a liver disease.

weird soup:

Does it matter? Stupid teenagers are still gonna find a way to get drinks illegally, because they think getting wasted is so freaking cool. Talk to me when you're 30 and have a liver disease.

First, most people don't binge drink, regardless of their age. The rate of people who drink (at least in canada) from 19-25 has decreased since 2004, and the people who binge drink will binge drink no matter their age.
It's unlikely that most casual drinkers (a couple drinks every now and then) will get a liver disease by thirty. I really think a law change would make teenagers drink less, as well, because when you're a teen and an idiot who binge drinks, half the fun is that you're doing something illegal.

Jewel Nicole:

I watched a program on this about a year ago, I think, and the people who were for it had a really good argument.

- If you're old enough to enlist in the military and fight across seas for our country, when you're 18, then you should be able to sit down and have a beer if you want to.
- If 18 is considered an adult in the US, then you should be able to buy a beer.

What are your opinions?

I didn't see a thread for this but lock if duplicate.

I believe the age should be lowered as well.

I honestly dont care, I think its fine where its at. Although I know many people will be happy if it is reduced. Although I'm sure that will result in more teenagers drinking.