Many people feel that there would be great benefits to lowering the legal drinking age. Though this is a hot topic amongst some, there are very legitimate reasons why some believe that this simple measure could have great benefits to it.
Sensible drinking would be a reasonable expectation. Many people believe that the reason that young adults give into binge drinking is that the age limit is too strict. Therefore the expectation is that if they are given more leeway with a lower drinking age, they will be less likely to indulge in such activities. Lowering the drinking age would therefore result in more sensible drinking behavior.
Old enough to vote means old enough to drink. A lot of people believe that if an individual is old enough to vote or serve their country that they should be old enough to enjoy an adult beverage. This is an argument and debate that has gone on for years and years and will continue to be an issue until it is resolved.
It would be in line with other countries. The United States has the strictest drinking policy in the world. The age limit is higher than in any other country and in many other parts of the world there is no age restriction whatsoever. So while many believe that the age restrictions play an important role in the US, they may actually contribute to the problem as this is not usually an issue in other parts of the world.
It would take away the “mystique” and perhaps lessen the intrigue. Many young adults are drawn to alcohol because it is off limits. The “mystique” that surrounds alcohol has a lot to do with the restrictive age limit that is put on it. Therefore the philosophy is that if the legal drinking age is lowered, there will be less of an intrigue or even interest in drinking to excess.
It would lessen the abuse and misuse of alcohol. Though many would argue that binge drinking is a huge problem amongst this particular age group, others would argue that would go down dramatically if the age limit were lowered. The abuse or even misuse of alcohol would become a thing of the past if individuals were allowed to drink at the age of eighteen rather than nineteen. This may not always be agreed upon and of course depends on the individuals in question, but nevertheless it is a very real expectation to consider as it could prevent serious consequences in the here and now and in the future equally.
The legal drinking age has been a debate that will likely carry on for years to come. If you have a point of view on it, then chances are that you feel strongly and so does the other side.
M. M. Frederick writes about how to find the right program for a Master of Public Health.