Why do you have to be 21 years old drink?

There are a few reasons why the legal drinking age in the United States is 21.

* Concerns about teen drinking. Underage drinking is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 11% of 12th graders reported binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks in a row) in the past 30 days. Underage drinking can lead to a number of problems, including accidents, injuries, sexual assault, and academic difficulties.

* The brain is still developing. The human brain continues to develop until around age 25. This means that under a21 are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drinking and driving. They are also more likely to experience negative consequences from drinking, such as alcohol poisoning and impaired judgment.

* Public health risks. Underage drinking can lead to a number of public health risks, including increased rates of crime, violence, and unintentional injuries. Underage drinking can also contribute to health problems, such as liver damage, heart disease, and cancer.

In order to address these concerns, the United States Congress passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act in 1984. This law set the legal drinking age at 21 in all states. Since the passage of this law, there has been a significant decline in underage drinking and related problems.

There are some critics who argue that the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18. They argue that 18-year-olds are already considered adults for other purposes, such as voting and military service. They also argue that lowering the drinking age would reduce underage drinking by making it easier for teens to obtain alcohol legally.

However, the majority of public health experts believe that maintaining the legal drinking age at 21 is the best way to protect youth from the harmful effects of alcohol.