Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should the drinking age be 18?
Position1 of 4›

Yes, the drinking age should be 18.

Many legal, social, and cultural rights and responsibilities come into effect when a person turns 18, and it is in everyone's best interest that personal choices about drinking be a part of that transition into adulthood.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. A minimum age of 18 normalizes responsible drinking
    Eliminating the thrill of breaking the law through underage drinking makes moderate, responsible consumption of alcohol the norm.
  2. Adults should have the right to decide to drink
    Legally, adulthood begins at the age of 18 in most parts of the world, and adults should be allowed to make their own decisions about drinking.
  3. 18 is the safest minimum age for drinking
    Barring 18-year-olds from drinking in safe, regulated environments just leads them to unsafe behavior.