Should the drinking age be raised to 21?

Should the drinking age be raised to 21? No. I believe that this would not be a good idea or solve the issues which are associated with alcohol. 18 year olds should not have to wait another 3 years before being able to consume alcohol. To do this and achieve the results that are idealised would be unfair, untactful, and unrealistic.

We have to remember that the people proposing these laws are most definitely over 21 and the consequences would not affect them. In fact, they are probably some 'old fart' just trying to gain more votes from other older people who think that this is a good idea. It does not matter to them if 18 year olds are no longer able to have alcohol, they have already had their fun. Did they wait until they were 21 until they had a drink? Probably not. Raising the drinking age would not only be futile, but also hypocritical and unfair.

By raising the legal drinking age we are telling people that they can die for their country, vote for the person who runs it, have sex, get married, and drive but, not able to have a glass of alcohol. Does this make sense? The answer is no. 18 year olds are considered as adults, so they should be treated like them. That means being able to legally drink. There is no point in making them wait another 3 more years when they are already allowed to handle most adult responsibilities. A little alcohol is harmless and is a part of our life, whether it be celebrating with a little wine, having a few beers with your mates or enjoying some alcohol at a work social. In fact a survey taken place in New Zealand in 2004 by ALAC said that:

• 68% claimed that drinking alcohol helped them to wind down and relax.
• 39% agreed that when they drink alcohol it is easier to meet and get to know people.
• 45% claimed they enjoyed the buzz they got when they drink alcohol

So, why not let an 18 year old enjoy all these things. They are practically an adult and should be allowed some alcohol. How are they supposed to learn to become a responsible adult when they are not even trusted with a bit of Alcohol? To raise the legal drinking age to 21 would be pointless as 18 are adults and should be treated like them.

Binge drinking is becoming more and more popular in New Zealand. In 2004 it was reported that 32% of youths (12-17 years) make no attempt to limit their drinking and 10% of adults acknowledged that they drink to get drunk. However, although people may argue that raising the drinking age will help to prevent this issue, I believe that it will not. At East Carolina University a survey took place when it was announced that the drinking age would be raised. It revealed that only 6% intended to stop drinking, 70% planned to change their drinking location, 21% expected to use a false or borrowed identification to obtain alcohol and 22% intended to use other drugs. By raising the legal drinking age other, more dangerous, drugs may become more frequently used, leading to higher crime rates and other various problems.

It is not hard for youths to get hold of alcohol at the moment, so why should it be any harder if it is raised. The 18 year olds will be able to get alcohol from their older friends or illegally. In 2004, 70% of youths (12-17 years) said they had no problem with getting hold of alcohol. This is at 12-17! If people want alcohol they will be able to get it, banning it will only create problems. It is much better to keep the alcohol where it can be monitored, rather than being sold and consumed illegally.

It is well known that people want things they can't have. I am sure that when we all remember hen we were younger and we were told that we weren't allowed to do something, because we were too young, so we did it anyway (just to see what is was like and to be a bit cheeky). So telling an 18 year old that they can't have alcohol because they are too young is not going to solve any of the alcohol issues. In fact, alcohol may become even more popular. The 'rebel' image that comes with underage drinking gives youths a thrill and feeling that they are 'naughty' and, therefore, cool. Once the alcohol is banned to 18 the alcohol consumption for underage drinkers may actually increase because of the 'cool' and rebellious image that is associated with it.

To raise the drinking age would be punishing everyone for the actions of a few. it would be spoiling everyone's fun. Not all 18-21 are heavy alcohol consumers, binge drinkers, wild party animals, and drunk-drivers. It is unfortunate that teenagers have this stereotypical image, as many are mature and learning to understand the responsibilities that come with adulthood. It would be unfair to take alcohol, which many enjoy and consume responsibly, away from all the 18 year olds.

You must agree, after all this, that raising the drinking age to 21 would be pointless. Alcohol is a part of New Zealand culture and people enjoy it. Yes, we may have social issues surrounding it however, these would not be helped by banning it to 18 year olds for another 3 years. To do this would be unfair, unjust and, to be honest, a complete waste of time.