Let them have a drink
There’s been a flurry of activity on the interblogs about the national drinking age (still holding steady at 21). A number of college presidents are calling for a more rational approach–a discussion that we desperately need to have.
Federal legislators coerce states into keeping the drinking age at 21 by withholding highway funds for any states that don’t comply. (In my mind, another example of federal overreach, but that’s for another day).
Not long ago, many states (including Wisconsin) allowed drinking at the age of 18. As part of the [overwhelmingly effective] War on Drugs, this was raised nationally to 21. (Another side note - we seem to have an extremely flat learning curve on the efficacy of various drug prohibition schemes.)
Here’s the reality–most college students enter school at 18 or 19 years of age. The atmosphere on most college campuses is very friendly towards drinking. House parties are commonplace and alcohol is readily available to anyone with a bit of cash (regardless of age). I know of very few college students who patiently await their 21st birthday before drinking alcohol. (Zero, to be precise).
And here’s the problem. Every bartender has the legal obligation to stop serving customers when they’ve had “too much”. Bars are staffed with [sober] bouncers to control the rabble rousers and are reasonably safe places to socialize and drink.
Contrast that with the college “house party”. The clientele is usually underrage and drinking heavily. The drinks are prepared by amateur bartenders who are happy to serve anyone as much alcohol as they can handle (and then a little more). Fights, assaults, and theft is common. In short, a pretty crummy place to learn to drink responsibly.
Here’s the best part–there’s a pretty easy solution to this little problem. I agree with the notion that drinking at 18 can be problematic since it makes for easier access to alcohol in high school. But 21 is too old. What about 19 and 20?
I think 19 would be an age for legal drinking in the US. This would encourage young adults to drink responsibly in bars instead of the aforementioned house party. Now if only those bums in Washington would let the states decide!
Filed under Uncategorized : Comments (4) : Aug 27th, 2008 by tadfad
August 27th, 2008 at 7:56 am
I say lower the drinking age to 14 but raise the driving age to 18. Learn to drink before you can drive.
August 27th, 2008 at 9:40 am
This also reflects another benefit to public mass transit. If the drunks could hop on a train/streetcar/bus instead of driving their car, we would significantly reduce alcohol related deaths!
August 28th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Tyler at Marginal Revolution agrees.
September 5th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Yea I’ve long thought it was wrong that you can go to war and vote for the President but you can’t have a beer. It should be 18.