Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

States Weigh Lowering Drinking Age

Battlefield-bar disparity irks during wartime, argue supporters

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2008 3:45 PM CDT

(Newser) – Several states are considering lowering the drinking age, spurred in part by concerns that teenage service members can fight overseas but can’t drink at home, USA Today reports. Kentucky, Wisconsin, and South Carolina are weighing a military-only change to alcohol laws, while other states may lower the legal age for all, with a few stipulations.

“If you can take a shot on the battlefield, you ought to be able to take a shot of beer,” says a South Carolina state rep. But the movement may not hold up against the numbers: 77% of Americans oppose the idea, and reports say current laws have cut traffic deaths among  18- to 20-year-olds by 13%.

Mugs of beer are served at the Thrush Tavern in Montpelier, Vt., in this June 29, 2004 file photo.
Mugs of beer are served at the Thrush Tavern in Montpelier, Vt., in this June 29, 2004 file photo.   (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
Though some argue that if 18 is old enough to fight for your country, it's old enough to drink, retired vice admiral Thomas Barrett says I don't think it's the same type of maturity.
Though some argue that if 18 is old enough to fight for your country, it's old enough to drink, retired vice admiral Thomas Barrett says "I don't think it's the same type of maturity."   (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
U.S soldiers cheer as Kid Rock performs on stage at a U.S base in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Some argue that if 18-year-olds can go to war, they should be able to drink.
U.S soldiers cheer as Kid Rock performs on stage at a U.S base in Kabul, Afghanistan, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Some argue that if 18-year-olds can go to war, they should be able to drink.   (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Vermont joins states weighing drinking-age drop
Associated Press

More on the movement
Chicago Tribune

Scotland considers raising drinking age
The Herald (UK)

US • Health • Lifestyle

 
Wisconsin • alcohol • South Carolina • Kentucky • Vermont • beer • US troops • South Dakota • Minnesota • Missouri • state governments • teenager • drinking age

 
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne