Why is the US drinking age so high?
Asked by: Baylee Leffler | Last update: December 10, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (69 votes)
The MLDA of 21 years helps lower the risk of developing alcohol and other substance use disorders, for those who drink alcohol. It also supports families and communities by leading to fewer harmful births, lower rates of suicide and homicide, and fewer deaths from alcohol poisoning.
Will the US ever lower the drinking age?
The federal government cannot constitutionally mandate a federal minimum drinking age, leaving the door open for states to pass laws to lower the drinking age. However, it can strongarm states to adopt a 21-drinking age by dangling federal funding.
Why is the drinking age 21 in the US but 18 everywhere else?
Some countries have a minimum legal drinking age of 19 to prevent the flow of alcoholic beverages in high schools, while others like the United States have a minimum legal purchasing age of 21 (18 in P.R. and USVI) in an effort to reduce the amount of drunk driving rates among teenagers and young adults.
Why does the US have such strict alcohol laws?
US drinking laws are as they are for safety measures. It is felt children and minors should not have access to alcoholic beverages. It is believed that people should not consume alcohol and drive. For safety of all.
What country has the highest drinking age?
Around the world, the age when it's legal to purchase or be served most alcohol products varies from 13 in Burkina Faso to 25 in Eritrea. Here's a brief look at how not only the legal drinking age but the culture and parenting around alcohol consumption varies across countries.
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Alcohol
What is Russia's drinking age?
The legal drinking age in Russia is 18 years of age. The sale of strong alcohol is prohibited after 10pm. Drinking is prohibited on public transport, streets and parks. Restaurants and cafes have specially designated smoking and no-smoking areas.
What is the youngest drinking age in us?
The MLDA in the United States is 21 years. This means that alcohol cannot be sold to people younger than 21. Before the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, the MLDA could differ by state.
What states allow 18 year olds to drink?
With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and Washington, D.C., allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances, such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.
Why is Germany's drinking age so low?
The country's laws are among the most relaxed in the world, with 14- to 16-year-olds allowed to drink beer, wine, and wine-like beverages under the supervision of a parent or guardian. The premise is that it is better to teach a responsible approach to alcohol rather than banning it.
What is the drinking age in Mexico?
How old do you have to be to drink in Mexico? The minimum legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years old. Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol.
What is the drinking age in Japan?
Enjoying local drinks is a highlight for many travelers, especially when shared with a group or a new local friend in a cozy bar. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. As long as you're over 20, you're free to drink in Japan—just remember to carry your passport for ID.
How does caffeine help you sober up?
The misconception that coffee can reverse the effects of alcohol stems from the belief that caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, can counteract the sedative impact of alcohol. While it's true that caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel more awake, it doesn't eliminate the impairments caused by alcohol.
What was the drinking age in 1970?
History of the MLDA
Following the repeal of Prohibition, nearly all State laws restricting youth access to alcohol designated 21 as the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol (Mosher 1980). Between 1970 and 1975, however, 29 States lowered the MLDA to age 18, 19, or 20.
Why did us raise drinking age?
Why is 21 the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA)? More than 25,000 lives have been saved in the U.S. thanks to the MLDA. This law continues to curb teen drinking and prevent tragedies—decreasing crashes by an estimated 16 percent and keeping young people safe.
What age can you drink in Canada?
More recently, in 1987, P.E.I. increased their legal drinking age from 18 to 19 years; since this time there have been no further changes to the MLDA in Canada. Currently, the MLDA is 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 years in the rest of the Canadian provinces and territories.
What is the drinking age in Italy?
The drinking age in Italy is 18 years old. However, it is not strictly enforced. We recommend to always carry a photo ID to prove your age.
What age can you drink in Russia?
3. Rules for buying alcohol in Moscow. In Moscow, the sale of alcohol is prohibited from 23:00 to 08:00. In addition, the capital does not sell alcohol to persons under the age of 18, so be prepared for the fact that at the checkout you may be asked to confirm your age with an identity document.
Is alcoholism worse in Europe or America?
According to international data from the World Health Organization, European teens ages 15 to 19 tend to report greater levels of binge drinking than American teens. This continues into adulthood. Total alcohol consumption per person is much higher in most of Europe.
What age can you drink in England?
If you're under 18, it's against the law: for someone to sell you alcohol. to buy or try to buy alcohol.
What is the lowest drinking age in the world?
For Djibouti, Lebanon, the Marshall Islands, North Korea or South Sudan, the other five countries listed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as independent states, no information on the age of alcohol consumption was available. At 13, Burkina Faso is the country with the youngest age of alcohol consumption.
Can you drink in America at 18 with parents?
Exceptions to National Alcohol Laws for Minors
It's not always illegal for people under 21 to drink. In 45 states, laws allow underage drinking in certain situations. In 29 states, someone under 21 may drink with their parent's permission if it's in a private residence or on private property.
What is the drinking age in Hawaii?
What are the alcohol laws in Hawaii? The most important alcohol law in the state of Hawaii is that you must be 21 years of age to consume alcohol in the state. Servers are allowed to serve customers providing they are 18 years of age and that a supervisor who is 21 or older is present.
Does alcohol count as a drug?
Yes, alcohol is a drug. Specifically, alcohol is a Psychotropic Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressant. Being a “psychotropic” drug means alcohol has an impact on cognition, emotions, and perception. Alcohol shares this designation with many other well-known drugs, such as Marijuana, Cocaine, and LSD.
What age can you drink in Mexico?
To drink and purchase alcohol legally in Mexico, you must be able to prove you are at least 18 years old. This is the legal drinking age throughout Mexico. It applies to all alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine.
What is the drinking age in China?
The legal drinking age in China is 18 years old.