Should The Drinking Age Be Lowered?

There is a very important debate in the United States today, and that’s the age at which people can legally consume alcohol. The legal drinking age for each country differs from place to place. Also, it’s dependent on religious beliefs in some countries.

In England, the legal age for drinking is 18. Spain has it at 16 years old. It’s at 18 in Australia and Austria, but could be lowered to 16 if “you believe.” I believe the United States should lower its legal drinking age to 18 from 21 because it will improve its economy and reduce unsafe levels of alcohol consumption while lowering arrests and giving adults more control over their own bodies/lives.

Let’s get one thing clear: Lowering the drinking age for adults would be a huge economic booster for America. It’s estimated that increasing the legal age of drinking to 21 is worth a $280 billion loss in revenue, as well as an increase in taxes on alcohol. If there’s one thing the person in the example should recognize, it’s that smoking and drinking is just a slippery slope to addiction. Integrity will be shattered, leaving the person feeling isolated and adrift in life. This person would soon regret breaking the law since he or she will feel guilty about enjoying such a thrill for so long. When kids drink, they’re bound to do so without considering how many other age-appropriate actions they should be taking with their lives. 

By allowing more people to drink legally, there will be an increase in revenue from alcohol sales both from licensed businesses and from bars and restaurants. There’ll also be an increase in business from festivals, concerts, sporting events, and more where alcohol is permitted. New jobs will be created in many aspects of the economy, including farming, distilling, distributing, and manufacturing alcohol products. In the end, lowering the drinking age will boost Americans’ wallets by encouraging them to consume more beer, wine, and liquor.

The step is for college students and young adults to learn about drinking socially. Drinking responsibly begins with understanding why you’re drinking, when it’s appropriate for you in your life and age group, how your body reacts to alcohol and educating yourself on the safe amount of alcohol you should consume in a sitting or an evening. Once you’ve done all of this, you’ll be equipped to enjoy a drink with friends without worrying that your activity will jeopardize your future.

When you reach adulthood, you are given the responsibility of fighting and possibly dying for your country. When you smoke cigarettes, be fully responsible for your actions. Marry, serve on juries, vote in elections, get into legal troubles with driving under the influence, or consume alcohol before you’re 21. One common argument is that the brain doesn’t truly develop until age 21 to age 25 when experiencing alcohol. After speaking with scientists and research it is still a persuasive argument against the drinking age as an adult should have this option legally too because these people are aware of what they’re doing and understand the possible consequences better than an 18-year-old who yet to experience a variety of things.

At 18, you are a legal adult and eligible to marry, serve on juries, smoke cigarettes (and be responsible for them), vote in elections, and serve in the military. These roles require that you possess the maturity required for these responsibilities. There is no logical reason why alcohol can be illegal for adults when our brains are still developing.

The United States drinking age doesn’t make a lot of sense, especially when you compare it to other countries with similar cultures. The economy would benefit from a lower drinking age, the alcohol-related problems would decrease, it would reduce the number of people arrested and it would let adults decide for themselves if they should drink or not.

Smarter legislation would mean that the United States could lower its drinking age to 18. This is because it would increase tax revenues, reduce unsafe driving habits and decrease the number of arrests. It’s also easier, safer, and more convenient for adults to be able to make their own decisions.