Minimum Drinking Age


Definition of Minimum Drinking Age

The minimum drinking age is the age that legal drinking may occur. In the United States, the minimum drinking age is 21 years old. Throughout most of Europe and Africa, the minimum drinking age is 18. However, there are some countries in Europe where the age is 16. In most places, this law varies under different circumstances. For example, in some states it is legal for drinking to occur by people under the age of 21 if they are on private property with the consent of an adult or in the presence of family members. It is illegal for people under the minimum drinking age to be served an alcoholic drink at a bar or in a public setting.



Minimum Drinking Age Explained

The minimum drinking age is strictly enforced by law in stores, pubs, and other locations. These institutions are not allowed to sell alcoholic drinks to a person under the minimum drinking age, and they are obliged to check identification for a birthday before serving anyone that appears under the legal age. While the United States holds a minimum drinking age of 21, this is higher than most countries, who average a minimum drinking age of 18.