Background Information
In the United States the minimum legal drinking age is 21, though many believe it should be lowered due to the fact that 18 year-olds are considered adults in all other aspects of law. Use the following sources to learn more about the debate surrounding the legal drinking age.
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowThis resource provides an analysis of current issues from a variety of perspectives.
- The Business of Food: An Encyclopedia of the Food and Drink IndustriesContains chapters on beer, distilled spirits, and wine that provide a history of the beverage and describe the industries that produce these beverages.
- Encyclopedia of Food and CultureFeatures multidisciplinary coverage of food and culture topics. Try searching, “alcohol,” or for specific alcoholic beverages to view its history.
- Gale Encyclopedia of PsychologyContains in-depth articles about alcohol use as a disease and its connection to mental health.
- The SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol: Social, Cultural, and Historical PerspectivesContains information about alcohol use in the United States amongst all age groups, and discusses topics related to drinking age and reform.