The minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) in the United States is twenty-one and is ineffective; therefore it should be lowered to eighteen. The minimum legal drinking age does not prevent minors from consuming alcohol. Lowering the drinking age may possibly reduce the number of injuries caused by underage drinking. The legal age of adulthood in the United States is eighteen, so all adults should be able to decide whether or not to drink. “Although many believe that anyone under 21 is prohibited from consuming alcohol in the United States, underage drinking is permitted in 29 states if done on private premises with parental consent, in 25 states if for religious purposes and in 11 states if for educational purposes. purposes". (“Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a lower age?”). The purpose of having an MLDA is to prevent underage drinking, but current age has been shown to have little effect on the issue. Teens have many ways to obtain alcoholic beverages, such as using fake IDs and convincing an older friend or family member to buy them for them. The methods used to purchase alcohol have been successful; in the United States, adolescents account for twenty-two and a half billion dollars in consumer spending on alcohol.” (“Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a lower age?”). The thrill of breaking the law and being rebellious is exciting for young adults, so raising the age or restricting them from a right they should have doesn't help the problem of underage drinking, it encourages it. Even though it may be said that the legal age is twenty-one and prohibits teenagers from purchasing and consuming alcohol in public, the fact remains that teenagers make...... middle of paper... bad decisions, however they can dedicate their lives to the country's military service and take part in the voting process for government representatives. Most people would agree that these are difficult, stressful and life-changing decisions. Lowering the MLDA is not only smart and safe, but it's right. The minimum legal drinking age of twenty-one is ineffective and should be lowered to eighteen. If 18-year-olds were legally adults, then they should be able to enjoy all the privileges that come with adulthood. The current MLDA encourages underage drinking and puts them at risk of harming themselves and others, which is contradictory to its goal. Works Cited “Drinking Age.” October 15, 2013. Procon, online publication on Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?. Network. 4 December. 2013. .