We all fondly remember the day when we drank our first legal sip of alcohol. The United States of America celebrates Legal Drinking Age Day on July 21 every year. People not only get nostalgic about their first drinks and raise a toast to it, but it’s also a day to create awareness about responsible drinking among young people. On this day, conversations are also had on how to tackle the rising cases of alcoholism and DUI. The easiest way to celebrate Legal Drinking Age Day is by relaxing with your favorite drink after a long day, if you’re over the legal drinking age, of course.
History of Legal Drinking Age Day
Americans have always marveled at how you can legally marry, have children, go to war, purchase a gun, and drive a car before you are allowed to purchase alcohol. While some of these have higher risk factors than drinking alcohol, many Americans are of the opinion that the legal drinking age in the country is ridiculously high. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was passed by the United States Congress on July 17, 1984. The act stated that although younger people could drink alcohol under supervision, they would have to be at least 21 years of age to be able to purchase it. However, the seven American states of Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Vermont, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have imposed an outright ban on the consumption of alcohol on those who are younger than 21.
Many European countries, including the United Kingdom, have a more liberal drinking age. Some countries even allow children to drink, as long as they do it in the privacy of their homes and under parental supervision. Legal drinking ages have been a point of debate in many cultures and countries. Some feel that it inculcates the habit of drinking responsibly, and that prohibition, on the other hand, encourages children to drink in secret or find unlawful methods to purchase alcohol.
July 21 is also the birthday of the noted author and cocktail drinker, Ernest Hemmingway, who was born on this day in 1899. Legal Drinking Age Day is also the appropriate day to celebrate the drinking prowess of the author.
Legal Drinking Age Day timeline
The first alcohol for consumption originates in China.
Spirits is used in Europe for medicinal purposes.
The U.S. curbs the manufacture, sale, import, and export of alcohol.
After illegal trade starts flourishing, America decides to lift the ban on alcohol.
Legal Drinking Age Day FAQs
Is drinking alcohol at 14 illegal?
Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) laws specify that the legal age when an individual can purchase alcoholic beverages in America is 21.
Is driving under influence a criminal offense?
Yes, driving under influence is a criminal offense since it can heavily impair the judgment of the driver and lead to the endangerment of human life.
What's the drinking age in Ireland?
The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18 and over.
Legal Drinking Age Day Activities
Toast to yourself
Recreate the first time you had a drink of your first alcoholic beverage. If you can, treat yourself to the same drink on Legal Drinking Age Day.
Teach your children to drink responsibly
If you have children or teens, teach them to drink responsibly. Make them aware of the harmful effects of regular drinking and driving under the influence.
Try a Hemingway Daiquiri
Since it’s also Ernest Hemingway’s birthday, you could celebrate his incredible life by savoring one of his favorite drinks, the Hemingway Daiquiri.
5 Facts About Alcohol That Will Blow Your Mind
Many adults have never drunk alcohol
48% of adults worldwide claim to have never drunk alcohol.
Why champagne is called ‘bubbly’
There are about 49 million bubbles in a bottle of champagne.
There’s a phobia of empty glasses
The fear of an empty glass is called Cenosillicaphobia.
Moonshine is widely consumed
Moonshine accounts for about 30% of the world’s alcohol consumption.
Red wines are made from many grapes
You will need around 600 grapes to make a bottle of red wine.
Why We Love Legal Drinking Age Day
It makes us nostalgic
The day brings back memories of the first time we drank or purchased alcohol legally. It’s a good day to celebrate this rite of passage!
It encourages responsible drinking
Legal Drinking Age Day encourages us to drink moderately and responsibly. Unchecked consumption of alcohol may lead to impaired judgment, compromised emotional and physical well-being, and even alcoholism.
It’s also Hemingway’s birthday
One of America’s favorite authors, the day also celebrates the literary genius of Ernest Hemingway. It’s a great day to revisit your favorite Hemingway book with your first drink in hand.
Legal Drinking Age Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 21 | Monday |
| 2026 | July 21 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | July 21 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | July 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | July 21 | Saturday |
