Drinking Age UK?

Question

why not lower it to 16 , i mean whats the big deal , 16 year olds are going to drink no-ones going to stop them from drinking , why not legalize it then the law dosent look like a bloody laughing stock ?!

Answer 1

In the US, we have kids that are under 14 drinking, even though the "legal" age is 21.  Formally, we have no consumption age, federally -- it *can* be set by each state.  Some 15 states chose not to set one, thereby making consumption legal for everyone.  But most people under 21 don't realize this, much like the vast majority of states have no smoking age, just a cigarette purchase age.  Smoking at 6 would be legal, just might get your parents in trouble for child neglect.  Drinking at 8 would also be legal, if you did it in your parents house.  The only problem here is that you must be 21 to buy the alcohol, or to drive it from point A to point B.  You also must be 21 to drink in a bar or restaurant.  

And a lot of good those laws do, preventing people from under 21 to obtain alcohol and all.

I think if the US has people aged 14 drinking they ought to change the law to 14, so as to not look like a laughing stock.

Think about, your logic is like telling a dog to do something you know is bad just so it looks like he is obeying your commands in public.

Answer 2

Haha try living in the States. We don't get to legally drink until we're 21! But of course no one follows that law.

Answer 3

i thought that they can drink wine at 16 with parents consent?

i don't agree with you on that one that it should get lowered

i know people drink already but then all the teens would be drinking if it was lowered down

its easier for younger kids to ask their older siblings to get them a drink

Answer 4

I understand where you are coming from as a Brit myself.

I however live in the states and you can't drink until your 21 and I am 19 so consider yourself a bit lucky.

One can smoke, gamble and die for their country at 18 but not have a drink.