Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - Should the drinking age be raised to 19? Farmer Ed's people thinks so.

ken0042 · 06-19-2007, 12:11 PM

I think this idea may have some merit, but has been brought about for all the wrong reasons. One thing that is mentioned is the 19 age restriction helps keep alcohol out of high schools. True, but you also have other issues at play.

As many have mentioned, sometimes it's good to introduce people to alcohol slowly. For example, when I was 16 I would go out drinking, but kept it to a civilized level because I was under age. That behavoir carried on as I got older.

But back then if you were caught drinking under age, the consequences were usually the bartender saying "aw, get out of here you crazy kids." Now all of a sudden police are involved. Now those who want to drink aren't doing it socially, and when they are allowed to do it socially they haven't learned how to act. Be it 18, 19 or 21 when somebody suddenly is thrown into the drinking game, it will have the same results.

There is something that may need to be done. Arbitrarily slapping this band-aid on it won't do much IMO.

06-19-2007, 12:11 PM	#15
ken0042 Playboy Mansion Poolboy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Close enough to make a beer run during a TV timeout Exp:	I think this idea may have some merit, but has been brought about for all the wrong reasons. One thing that is mentioned is the 19 age restriction helps keep alcohol out of high schools. True, but you also have other issues at play. As many have mentioned, sometimes it's good to introduce people to alcohol slowly. For example, when I was 16 I would go out drinking, but kept it to a civilized level because I was under age. That behavoir carried on as I got older. But back then if you were caught drinking under age, the consequences were usually the bartender saying "aw, get out of here you crazy kids." Now all of a sudden police are involved. Now those who want to drink aren't doing it socially, and when they are allowed to do it socially they haven't learned how to act. Be it 18, 19 or 21 when somebody suddenly is thrown into the drinking game, it will have the same results. There is something that may need to be done. Arbitrarily slapping this band-aid on it won't do much IMO.