Why 21?

A spate of recent articles in The Lawrence Journal World have sparked heated discussion throughout the state of Kansas and nationwide. More than 100 colleges have come together under the umbrella of the Amethyst Initiative to suggest a dialogue on lowering the minimum drinking age from 21 to 18.

We commend KU for not joining the Amethyst Initiative. There is no evidence that lowering the drinking age will reduce binge drinking or other risky behaviours. In fact, the minimum 21 drinking age law has been heralded as one of the most effective public safety laws ever passed. It is also one of the nation's most examined laws, with countless studies that have been conducted to measure the law's effectiveness--all of which have come to the same conclusion: this law saves lives.

Alcohol-related fatalities and injuries have decreased, saving 900 lives per year as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 17,000 Americans are alive and well today thanks to the adoption of this law by all states in 1988--that's more than enough to pack Allen Fieldhouse to the rafters. Youth drinking rates have also declined since 1988. Binge drinking has decreased 15% among high school seniors. A look at all the research between 1960 and 2000 shows that the minimum 21 drinking age laws decrease underage consumption of alcohol.

For a complete fact sheet on "Why 21" please visit our DCCCA website. History of the law, research and statistics, and responses to many common objections to the law (i.e. age of military service) are included.

For Journal-World articles visit:

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/aug/20/ku_abstains_effort_lower_drinking_age/
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/aug/19/should_drinking_age_be_lower/