I was recently having a discussion with someone over the unrest in the world, and because both of us are parents to 20-year-old males, we were discussing how they could both potentially be drafted (if the draft were reinstated). The discussion then went to how neither one of them can legally drink alcohol or smoke tobacco products, but they could fight – and possibly die – for their country.

We then were thinking of all the things an 18 year-old can do since it is the age of majority here in the United States. Here is a quick list of 12 things that an 18 year-old can legally do:

Vote
Serve on a Jury
Run for Office
Get Drafted
Take on Financial Responsibilities, such as opening a Credit Card or Getting a Loan
Change their name
Make your their healthcare decisions
Control access to their educational information
Get married
Move on their own
Sign a contract
Buy a lottery ticket and play Keno* or Bingo*(not allowed at many casinos because they serve alcohol).

In addition, some states allow 18-year-olds to rent automobiles. One can also buy a firearm in New Hampshire at 18. I have long been in favor of moving the age of both smoking tobacco products and drinking alcohol back to 18. (Consuming alcohol was legal for 18 year olds until July of 1984, and tobacco wasn’t moved to 21 until December of 2019.) My support for moving the age back to 18 has to do with individual rights and personal responsibility rather than scientific studies.

I decided to write about some reasons why the law should be changed along with some common arguments given by those against moving the age back to 18.

The Case for Lowering the Legal Drinking and Smoking Age to 18

The legal age for drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco in many countries has long been set at 21. However, there are growing calls to reduce this age back to 18, where it was once set in many places. The argument for this change rests on various aspects of personal responsibility, individual rights, and the changing realities of adulthood.

The Legal Age of Majority: 18 as the Threshold for Adulthood

One of the most compelling arguments for lowering the legal drinking and smoking age is that 18 is already widely recognized as the age at which individuals are legally considered adults. At this age, people are granted a variety of rights and responsibilities that reflect their status as full-fledged members of society.

The inconsistency between the legal drinking and smoking age and the age of adulthood can create confusion. At 18, a person can make life-altering decisions, such as joining the military or getting married, but is denied the right to legally purchase alcohol or tobacco. It raises the question: if a person is mature enough to serve their country in combat or enter into legally binding agreements, why should they not have the right to make decisions about alcohol and tobacco consumption?

Furthermore, adulthood in the 21st century is often recognized as beginning at 18, not 21. Many 18-year-olds are living independently, paying taxes, and beginning their professional careers. These young adults are generally capable of making their own informed choices, and it’s argued that they should be trusted to make responsible decisions regarding alcohol and tobacco as well.

Reducing the Appeal of “Forbidden Fruit”

One of the most common reasons people argue for lowering the drinking and smoking age is that it might reduce the allure of these substances as “forbidden fruit.” When people are prohibited from accessing alcohol and tobacco at an early age, they often become more curious and inclined to experiment with these substances in secret. By making these products legally available to adults at 18, proponents argue that it could diminish the rebellious allure and make consumption more regulated and responsible.

Additionally, underage drinking and smoking can often take place in unsafe environments, such as private parties, which may lack adult supervision. These circumstances can lead to risky behaviors such as binge drinking, impaired driving, or even smoking in hazardous conditions. If alcohol and tobacco consumption were made legal at 18, it’s argued that it would allow young adults to consume these products in safer, more controlled environments, such as at home or in public places that follow age restrictions.

Promoting Personal Responsibility and Education

Lowering the legal drinking and smoking age to 18 could also foster a culture of personal responsibility. When young adults are granted the legal right to make decisions about alcohol and tobacco, they may be more likely to engage in education and learn about the risks and effects of these substances.

In many countries, legal drinking and smoking ages are accompanied by mandatory educational programs that teach about the dangers of excessive consumption. Lowering the legal age would provide an opportunity to introduce more comprehensive, age-appropriate educational campaigns aimed at teaching responsible consumption habits.

Moreover, when 18-year-olds are allowed to legally drink or smoke, they may be more inclined to seek help if they develop unhealthy habits. With more legal autonomy comes the opportunity to make better-informed choices, and many believe that having access to these substances legally at an earlier age might encourage individuals to be more mindful of their consumption.

International Precedents and Case Studies

Countries around the world take different approaches to the legal drinking and smoking age. Some nations have already set the legal drinking and smoking age at 18 or lower, providing valuable examples for the argument in favor of lowering the age. For example:

Canada: The legal drinking age in most of the country is 19, (in the Provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, the legal drinking age is 18 years old). The legal age to consume tobacco products in most of Canada is 18, though some provinces have raised the age to 19 or 21.
Germany: The legal drinking age for beer and wine in Germany is 16, and the legal drinking age for spirits is 18. This is a lower threshold than the United States, but it has not led to the catastrophic consequences many fear. In fact, many Germans tend to drink responsibly and moderately, likely due to the country’s cultural attitudes towards alcohol. Their approach focuses on moderation and responsibility, and it’s widely accepted that young adults are capable of making their own choices at age 18.
United Kingdom: The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. The country has a relatively low alcohol-related mortality rate compared to some nations with higher drinking ages, suggesting that the 18-year-old threshold might not be a contributing factor to harm. In the UK, alcohol is often introduced in a family setting, and drinking is seen as a more normalized and responsible activity rather than a taboo subject.
Australia: Australia also sets the legal drinking and smoking age at 18. Much like other countries that have set the age at 18, Australia’s approach focuses on providing individuals with the tools to make informed decisions, reducing risky behaviors associated with underage drinking, and promoting responsible use.
Ireland: Contrary to the common belief that people in Ireland legally drink in their early teens, the legal drinking age is 18 while in 2024 the legal age to consume tobacco products was raised to 21.
Italy: The legal age to consume alcohol or tobacco products in Italy is 18.

These countries demonstrate that setting the drinking and smoking age at 18 does not necessarily lead to increased harm or societal chaos. In fact, many have successfully integrated young adults into a more responsible drinking culture by giving them the autonomy to make decisions about alcohol and tobacco at the age of majority.

Common Arguments Against Lowering the Legal Age

While there are many compelling reasons to reduce the legal drinking and smoking age to 18, there are also some common arguments against this proposal:

Health risks for young people: One of the most frequently cited concerns is that younger individuals, particularly those in their late teens, may still be developing cognitively and emotionally. Alcohol and tobacco consumption can have adverse effects on brain development, potentially leading to issues like addiction, impaired decision-making, and other long-term health problems. Critics argue that allowing younger people to legally drink or smoke may lead to greater health risks and negative outcomes.
Increased public health costs: Opponents of lowering the legal age often worry that it could lead to increased rates of alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and deaths, particularly from impaired driving. This concern is rooted in the fear that younger individuals may not have developed the maturity to handle alcohol responsibly, leading to dangerous consequences for themselves and others on the road.
Cultural and social attitudes: Some argue that the current age limits help curb binge drinking and other unhealthy behaviors, particularly in the context of college life. Proponents of maintaining the drinking age at 21 suggest that the younger drinking age in other countries has led to cultural differences, with alcohol consumption sometimes leading to negative social behaviors such as public drunkenness or violence.

Conclusion

The case for lowering the legal drinking and smoking age to 18 is grounded in the principles of personal responsibility, consistency with other legal rights, and the recognition that individuals at this age are capable of making important life decisions. Given that 18-year-olds are already granted a variety of significant responsibilities, it stands to reason that they should also have the right to legally purchase alcohol and tobacco.

While the arguments against lowering the legal age often focus on health risks and social concerns, these fears may be mitigated by responsible education, better regulation, and a cultural shift towards moderation. Countries that have already set the drinking age at 18 have provided valuable examples that demonstrate it is possible to balance individual rights with public health.

Ultimately, the question is not whether 18-year-olds are capable of making decisions about alcohol and tobacco, but whether society is ready to trust them to do so responsibly. By granting young adults the legal right to drink and smoke, we acknowledge their full membership in society and their ability to navigate the complexities of adulthood.

As always, please email your opinion to me at bchicoinemht@gmail.com.