Pros And Cons Of Lowering The Drinking Age
Having been a debate since it was raised from 18 to 21 in the mid-1980’s, lowering the drinking age is a proposal that is not only sensitive to many Americans, but is a widespread issue in our culture (The Debate on Lowering the Drinking Age, cbsnews.com). Although many states have tried lowering the drinking age, proponents of maintaing the minimum age have kept a strong case. After the ending prohibition, the banning of alcohol from 1920-1933, almost every state set their minimum drinking age to 21. During the 1970’s, 29 states lowered the drinking age to 18, 19, or 20. But by 1983, 16 states raised their drinking age back to 21 due to an increase in teenage-related car accidents. In 1984 legislature passed the Minimum Drinking Age Act
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Opponents believe that lowering the drinking age would be medically irresponsible, it would increase traffic accidents and fatalities, it would increase the number of underage drinkers by giving them an easier access to alcohol, more people drinking could create unsafe environments, and that the drinking age should not be lowered to mirror the European drinking age limits because the rate of drinking among US teenagers is lower than most European countries. Proponents believe that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 would give legal adults of the age of 18 to make there own decisions about alcohol consumption based off the fact that they have those rights and responsibilities as an adult, there are fewer drunk driving related accidents in countries with lower drinking ages, it would be ineffective not to because the majority of teens continue to consume alcohol, allowing 18-20 year olds to drink in regulated environments with supervision would decrease unsafe drinking activity, and that it would diminish the thrill of breaking the law to get a drink (Pro & Con Arguments: “Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered from 21 to a Younger Age?”, ProCon.org). This topic is controversial because many people believe that alcohol consumption in young people is an ongoing public health concern and our society is deeply focused on preserving our youth. This controversy can only be settled after much thought and serious
Opponents believe that lowering the drinking age would be medically irresponsible, it would increase traffic accidents and fatalities, it would increase the number of underage drinkers by giving them an easier access to alcohol, more people drinking could create unsafe environments, and that the drinking age should not be lowered to mirror the European drinking age limits because the rate of drinking among US teenagers is lower than most European countries. Proponents believe that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 would give legal adults of the age of 18 to make there own decisions about alcohol consumption based off the fact that they have those rights and responsibilities as an adult, there are fewer drunk driving related accidents in countries with lower drinking ages, it would be ineffective not to because the majority of teens continue to consume alcohol, allowing 18-20 year olds to drink in regulated environments with supervision would decrease unsafe drinking activity, and that it would diminish the thrill of breaking the law to get a drink (Pro & Con Arguments: “Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered from 21 to a Younger Age?”, ProCon.org). This topic is controversial because many people believe that alcohol consumption in young people is an ongoing public health concern and our society is deeply focused on preserving our youth. This controversy can only be settled after much thought and serious