by Michelle Blackston
Since 1988, 21 has been the minimum legal drinking age for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. That's because Congress enacted the National Minimum Drinking Age Act just a few years prior.
Over the last few years, some state legislatures have considered legislation to lower the minimum legal drinking age. Remember our August Thicket posting on this issue? We said there would be more to come!
In 2007, New Hampshire considered a bill to lower the drinking age to 18. In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature debated a bill that would have allowed those over 18 to consume alcohol in bars and restaurants. Kentucky, South Carolina and Wisconsin considered legislation that would have allowed military personnel over the age of 18 to drink alcohol. Vermont established a special committee to study the issue.
In this edition of The Buzz at State Legislatures Magazine, we sit down with Matthew Gever, a policy associate with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Matt explains why this issue has become a heated debate in some states and why it's gaining a lot of traction. He also talks about the consequences states could face by lowering the drinking age and what dangers could face younger drinkers.
Listen to our podcast (7:30) and weigh in on the issue. Do you think states should lower the minimum drinking age?
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