Age Restriction

Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws of 21 in the U.S. refer to a minimum age required to purchase alcohol in a state and measures aimed at preventing people under the minimum age from accessing alcohol. MLDA laws have significantly reduced drinking and drinking-related problems among adolescents and young adults, including education drop-out rates, car crashes, crime, injuries, assaults and suicides. There is also evidence that the relaxation of age restrictions contributes to heavier use later in life.  

Minimum Legal Drinking Age Laws
Underage and College Alcohol Policies

The Minimum Legal Drinking Age and Morbidity in the United States

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The Impact of the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Alcohol‐Related Chronic Disease Mortality

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Impacts of New Zealand's Lowered Minimum Purchase Age on Context‐Specific Drinking and Related Risks

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Long-Term Effects of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Laws on Marijuana and Other Illicit Drug Use in Adulthood

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Effects of Lowering the Minimum Alcohol Purchasing Age on Weekend Assaults Resulting in Hospitalization in New Zealand

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  1. Raising the Alcohol Purchase Age: Its Effects on Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes in Twenty-Six States
    DuMouchel W, Williams AF, Zador P. The Journal of Legal Studies. 16(1), 249-266.
    Date: 1987 (archived)
  2. Beer Taxes, the Legal Drinking Age, and Youth Motor Vehicle Fatalities
    Saffer H, Grossman M. The Journal of Legal Studies. 16(2), 351-374.
    Date: 1987 (archived)
  3. Drinking Age Laws and Highway Mortality Rates: Cause and Effect
    Saffer H, Grossman M. Economic Inquiry. 25(3), 403-417.
    Date: 1987 (archived)
  4. Raising the Legal Drinking Age in Maine: Impact on Traffic Accidents Among Young Drivers
    Wagenaar AC. International Journal of the Addictions. 18(3), 365-377.
    Date: 1983 (archived)
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