Legal drinking age

Legal drinking age is the minimum age one must be to drink alcohol. In most countries this is 16 or 18, but there are notable exceptions such as China, which has no minimum drinking age, and the United States, where the minimum drinking age is 21. Some countries distinguish between drinks with fairly low alcohol-content (such as beer and wine) and stronger spirit-based drinks. Many countries have banned alcohol advertising aimed at the youth market.

Related Topics:
Alcohol - China - United States - Beer - Wine - Spirit - Alcohol advertising

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The high U.S. minimum drinking age is based on minimizing car accidents. The drinking age is actually not a federal law; every state has a limit of 21. The federal government simply withholds some highway transportation funding to states that don't have a limit of 21. The U.S. population have for decades been heavy users of personal automobiles for transportation, and hence it has a higher fatality rate for drivers —taking around 43,000 lives a year. According to proponents such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the relatively high US drinking age lowers the risk of accidents and alcohol addiction in younger people. Some studies appear to support this claim, though others have implied that accidents and the learning curve for handling alcohol are simply moved to the 21+ demographic (perhaps not even saving any lives). Some people argue that if one is old enough to vote and be drafted, one is old enough to drink, and that being introduced to alcohol at a younger age in a family environment means people are more likely to learn responsible drinking habits. Many also consider it reasonable for college students to experiment with alcohol before they are 21, as long as it is done safely.

Related Topics:
Car accidents - Automobiles - Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Alcohol addiction - Vote - Draft

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Laws surrounding alcohol vary, but generally, minors are not allowed inside of drinking establishments and are not allowed to purchase alcohol. However, contrary to popular belief, few states specifically prohibit minors' consumption of alcohol in private settings. In the United Kingdom, children may enter pubs in the company of an adult until 9 PM and 14-year-olds may enter pubs unaccompanied if they order a meal. Some jurisdictions allow minors to drink in the privacy of their own home, with their parents' permission, and others do not.

Related Topics:
Minors - United Kingdom

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The rigour with which age restrictions are enforced varies considerably from place to place: in some countries, proof of age is usually requested of everybody, while in others it is usually requested only if the customer appears to be obviously underage. Establishments that require proof of age will request it either at the door or when alcohol is purchased; usually, a driver's licence, passport, or special proof of age card must be used for this purpose.

Related Topics:
Driver's licence - Passport

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~