“The drinking age is not set by the federal government; it is set by the states. Currently, each state has its law set at 21.

By Ben Selznik:

“The drinking age is not set by the federal government; it is set by the states. Currently, each state has its law set at 21. However, this figure neither necessarily reflects research and careful consideration nor appeals to constituents. Instead, it reflects the fact that drinking age became tied to highway funds somewhere along the way. BECAUSE of this, were a state to lower their drinking age, they would also have to significantly raise taxes to offset the lost highway funds from the government. This hand-tying is asinine. If the drinking age is a state decision, it should be made by states independently of funds for highways. Before any progress can be made, lawmakers must sever this illogical connection.”