[GO BACK HOME]
Alcohol has been a major debate issue in this country for many years. Prohibition was what began the struggle for laws involving alcohol. the 18th amendment prevented the sale of alcohol in the United States. This didn't go over well with the citizens and it was repealed about 13 years later. Ever since then there has been talk about how high he drinking age should be. It seems that most are content with 21 only because it is the current law. There was no country wide law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to any age group until 1984 when the government basically said that states must raise their drinking age or their highway funding would be removed. Before this,in the early 1970's, many states lowered the drinking age to 18. This was influenced by the vietnam war and that many laws wwere being lowered for 18,19, or 20 year olds.
Currently, it is illegal to buy alcohol when under the age of 21. This law is countrywide. However, each state still has some power over their laws. For example, each state and set the age that one is allowed to sell alcohol. Also, the laws are different for each state in regards to religious functions. The punishmnt for using fake identification cards and underage drinking also varies from state to state.
Some are trying to change this law because just as in the 70's, they believe that if you can go to war, you should be able to drink. Others such as some college deans, recognize that it is a major problem on campus and want to lower the drinking age or provide 'drinking licenses' in order to curb binge drinking.
