New Hampshire's Virtual Town Hall

Drinking Age

Information

Is it fair that 18-year olds can die for our country but they can't have a beer?

Members: 16
Latest Activity: Feb 21, 2011

Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984, which imposed a 10% reduction in federal highway funds on any state setting its drinking age lower than 21.

The push to lower the drinking age gained momentum with the 2008 launch of the Amethyst Initiative, a national coalition of college presidents.

According to the group's website:

Twenty-one is not working
A culture of dangerous, clandestine “binge-drinking”—often conducted off-campus—has developed.
Alcohol education that mandates abstinence as the only legal option has not resulted in significant constructive behavioral change among our students.
Adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer.

The group wants elected officials to rethink the legal drinking age, along with the highway funds penalty.

The NH Legislature debated a measure to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18 in 2009, but the bill failed in the House.

The legal drinking age hasn't always been 21 in New Hampshire. It was lowered to 18 in 1973 and later raised to 20 in 1979.

All 50 states abide by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.

Do you think the state should lower the drinking age?

For addition pros and cons on raising the drinking age, check out this report compiled by a state government class at UNH.

Discussion Forum

One clear line! Minor / Adult

What age, who's decision, I don't know exactly but it must be applied fair and apply to all or none.To enforce an arbitrary age limit that assumes adulthood, it must apply to all areas in life…Continue

Started by Cal Icon Feb 21, 2011.

A lively discussion on Facebook about Amethyst Initiative

Our Facebook page has a lively discussion about the Amethyst Initiative.The initiative is driven by university and college presidents…Continue

Tags: 21, drinking

Started by LFDA Editor Aug 4, 2010.

NO- the drinking age is 21 for a reason

With all the research out there about the brain development not being complete until mid to late 20's, it is wise to keep the drinking age at 21. The two issues of being in the service at 18 and…Continue

Started by Cyndi Desrosiers Jul 1, 2010.

The NH state drinking age should be lowered to 18, at least for Military personnel 7 Replies

In my humble opinion, I believe NH should lower the state drinking age to 18, at least for military personnel. The men and women in the military, many of whom are between the ages of 18 and 20, have…Continue

Started by Nicholas McLellan. Last reply by Jennifer Morrell Jun 30, 2010.