Should the age be raised from 18 to 21 in Australia to combat underage drinking?

Bazz

I'm in support of any reasonable measure to reduce alcohol consumption. I don't think just raising the drinking age will have much of an effect. There needs to be a multi - pronged approach of also limiting the number & hours of licensed venues, higher taxes, higher voting age, higher driving age, higher insurance premiums & excesses & exemplary education. Youth shouldn't be the only ones targeted... alcohol consumption as a whole should be made to be totally unpopular to the extent that parents be held at least partly accountable for the results of their children's actions. In Japan for example, the entire family loses face when just one member is convicted of a criminal offense. Government too should be held accountable for their support & profiteering in the alcohol game. It's part of a disturbing trend in the whole scheme of de-regulation supported by both sides of an irresponsible parliament. Although it's largely a social problem, the way the political situation has been for some time is enough to drive anyone to drinking!

Pon

There's no point.. People are always going to find a way to get alcohol and it will only get worse if we try and increase the age limit. I think parents should be responsible and talk to their children about alcohol and the effects, not for the government to ban it

BrokeWoman19

If the age is raised to 21 that is going to make the population of under age drinking raise. Since they will then be including everyone between the age 18 - 21 aswell.

Since i was able to drink legally i have slowed down and only drink when is neccessary (special occasion) or when i really need it!

This will cause more problems with police, pubs and other social outings trying to keep the higher population of underage drinkers under control. This will cause Pubs, clubs etc to be more strict on ID and police wasting resources catching underages instead of criminals.

Anonymous

it isn't what age you can start drinking it is being raised right and not being an idiot some 18 year olds believe it or not can have a drink and not turn into a total idiot. even if the drinking age goes up to 21 they will just be idiots 3 years older it wont change anything

Anonymous

No I think the age should not be raised it wont make a differents

Anonymous

Raising it to 21 wont really make a difference, the young ones these are stupid and will do anything to get a buzz.
There does need to be harsher laws though

munza

in the USA it works without too many problems so i am all for it in Australia.

Anonymous

Yes i think the legal age for alcohol or drinkin should be raised to 21 there are way too many young kids drinkin n fryin themselves at a early age

fireman

it wouldn,t hurt to make the legal limit 21.if they want alcolhol they will get it somehow.i have worked in the selling of alcolhol for 26 years.seen lots of different types of people. some silly adults try to buy for underage.could go on about this topic for ages.21 is a good age or then do we go to 25.alcolhol will still be around and there will still be idiots that will get is no matter how.

Anonymous

I think that by making alcohol less obtainable for 'young adults' it creates more of a 'mystery' and thereby creates a greater desire in those people to want to consume.

CatherineBlack

I believe if it's going to be raised or not, everything is going to be the same or even worse. Young people will still find a way to get drinks. But if it's going to be raised, that isn't going to effect me any way because I don't drink, even though I'm a teenager.

sab5

I believe it should be raised to 21 sometimes at 18 your mindset is different these days I think you should workout which direction you need to go with life and if we can prolong the effects of subjection to alcoholism would award our future generations

goanna

I believe the age should be increased to 21 as it used to be. Youngsters / teenagers are binge drinkers, destroying their lives, livers thinking nothing would ever happen to them. They need to be mature before taking their first sip of alcohol, knowing the danger and clear thinking. I'm a mother whose child drank during her teenage years which was rather sad. That's all I can say.

Ness76

I agree the age should be changed to 21. This is happening in other countries. I think people are a lot more mature to make the decision about drinking safe

Anet

Yes put the drink age up to 21, also make the penalties harsher when caught for under age drinking. There will not be too many that will be able to afford the fines.

blueposy

Yes I agree that the legal age for drinking alcohol should be raised to 21,like it is in America,problem here is the cats already out of the bag.Its a worry that so many young people are wiping themselves out with irresponsible drinking and given that alcohol is a poison and young peoples brains are not fully developed until 24-25 years of age,with this mindless drinking they are causing irreversible damage to their brains and that is of serious concern,not to mention the alcohol induced road accidents.

musicmum

Yes it should be 21 that will give them more time to mature. Learning to drive at 18 at the same time being allowed to drink in pubs is way too tempting. It would stop a vast majority and make our roads safer. I'd like to hear from some oldies who were around when it was 21 and how it made a difference when it changed to 18.

Anonymous

no i dont think so, it will help.

Sparky

NO NO NO i am 15 and i am Part European and i have been drinking since i was 13 and that is not uncommon over there and there is nothing wrong with that if you only stick to beer untill you are 21 then by all means let them buy a six pack every 3 weeks that would be suitabul it think and Australia's liquor laws suck

lugs

it will not make a difference as usually they will get someone older purchase the alcohol anyway. I think some not all parents could be a bit strickter about it, was at a wedding recently a parent let there 16 drink and become intoxicated this is where the problem starts.

Anonymous

i think it doesnt matter what age the limit is your always going to have the same problems we have now, kids are always going to find ways to get their hands on alcohol. Its just one of those things in life that we have to accept unfortunately

PGS

Won't make any difference. If they want it, they'll get it or make it.

Anonymous

If you raise the legal age for drinking, the amount of underage drinkers will increase accordingly - Kids will always drink, whether they get alcohol from parents friends or strangers they will find a way

goddesshelen84

Yes I think it would be a great idea to do that, Because maybe it might teach them something, Although i do still believe its the parents for not teaching them how to drink in the first place. Because when i was young Being from a french background, my father was the one who taught me to drink responsibly..... But i still think it would be a great idea they do it in America!

Kazza

It will not make any difference, they will still be able to get the alcolhol, any way. Why don't they teach teenages at school about alcolhol, at least let them know what problems alcolhol can get you into. When my children were about 14 they were allowed a very small glass of alcolhol and what happened from there was, they would take a sip and go yuk and leave the rest of the drink. It was more a case of wanting what they were not allowed and once they had it, they did not need it again. I have two boys who are now in their 30s and drink socially or don't drink at all.

bea

I think that a few more years maturity shows people that they are more vulnerable to behaving stupidly when intoxicated-it is no longer funny

daisy

peersonally Idont think it will make alot of differcence.thet id off theree young people tend to get id off other people and they make out they are older when they are actually younger,Its just amazing what the young ones get up to.robyn B

Anonymous

i think the age limit should be raised.it wont stop the problem until they enforce harsher penalties for the adults that supply the alcohol to these young people

hoodstunna

i do not believe raising the age to 21 will do anything, i remember when i was younger i would do anything to get the alcohol, and been under 18 did nothing to stop me. 21 will just be the same. And at least people will be in the safety of pubs, clubs and so on instead of out in the street or parks getting wasted.

beeebs2004

I do not think it will help with underage drinking.
I know the most fun times I had drinking was when I was underage as it was a type of 'rebellion' that you couldn't really get in trouble for. Moreover, underage people could only easily drink at house parties where alcohol is far abundant due to it's cheapness.

At age 20 heading to the clubs and all that, I'm bored of binge drinking because it's not as fun when you're of age!

The best way to decrease the amount of binge drinking is proper education. High schools do not educate kids properly about the health implications, they don't tell you about the cirrhosis, risks of esophageal ruptures (with vomiting) and cerebellar disturbances. Obviously these don't happen instantly, but you can tell the kids, this is what you're slowly doing to your body!

stretch

to be honest i dont believe it will help
a majority of parents let there kids drink from 16 years of age in australia during festive seasons aspecially
in lower income families the age is lower
it might help if parents did not drink as often in froont of the kids
and the law chased up people drinking under age even if in the presence of the parents

Ali

If they raise the drinking age it will only cause more rebellion. I'm 20, and drink sensibly. But then again, because my family is relaxed, I've been allowed to have a glass of wine etc... for years. This has shown me how to drink responsibly.

JohnC

What's the point of raising it from 18 to 21 when good research shows it starts around 15 or 16 or sometimes even younger? What is needed is responsible parenting.

Anonymous

it should be as it is 18 in nz govt is considering 20years as we are having heaps of problems with underage drinking and binge drinking resulting hospital and deaths from it

lilly

it will make it even worse

victory

"I would like to think so, as there is too much emphasis on alcohol promotion and football, now a days, but not sure about raising the age will help, as people will still find from somewhere, because the element is in the families and the football media etc.. 1st of all have to stop promoting alcohol, replace with other products that do not harm our children. Starting with todays adults would be a good start.

Macfuddled

Raising the drinking age to 21 sounds good, but I think it will only drive it "underground". The minimum age in most of the states in the US is 21 and they have many problems with underage drinking over there. The government here will not be able to regulate it properly because underage drinkers will always obtain alcohol from somewhere. Like in the "old days" false ID's" will be created or people "bribed" to buy for them, just like cigarettes are.

sandylee

the drinking age should be reaise to 21yo. We should also invest more time in educating children about drinking alcohol

shapaka

Yes definately...it works in the states so i think that it definately should be tried in Australia. Kids these days are stil not very mature mentally at 18, under age drinking is at its worst at the moment and i think it will stop a lot of the rage filled brawls we hear about constantly over the news, media which are all fuelled by alcohol. it mite teach young ones to drink a bit more responsible and perhaps give them other useful things to do with their time rather than drinking until they paraletic!!

Anonymous

I dont think it would make any difference. Kids that want to drink will always find a way!! this would just make them angry and more determined.

Anonymous

I am in NZ and we suffer a similar (if not worse) binge drinking culture among our youth. Raising the drinking age to 21 is only one part of the prescription needed to curb underage drinking. The other important factor is to raise the price of alcohol so that its purchase is prohibitive to younger people. Then we need to legislate against the import and production of alcopops and for stricter control of advertising.
Its interesting to note that the point that catches for most people who complain about the binge drinking situation both NZ and Australia experience is the pricing issue. despite it being proven one of the most effective barriers to purchasing alcohol for the underage.
It's also of some concern to me that we now have fast food manufacturers cashing in on our youths preoccupation with alcohol. The BK Bourbon burger for example (although I realise its only bourbob flavouring used) is an abomination in my view and exactly the sort of thing that should be legislated out of possibility. Extremely irrespnsible and I will never eat at Burger King again.

Anonymous

yes in my experience alot of teenagers seem to be over drinking causing problems having fights beating up their partners or taking it out on neighbours when trying to intervene or help the situation it should be raised, i dont think it would be such a problem it just makes it more hard forthemto access

SharonO

Raising the legal age limit for drinking alcohol may go some way to stopping some under age drinking. However, those that really want to do it will find some way to get a person over 21 to buy it for them, whether it is an older sibling ( which is majority of cases) or some other way. Anything is worth a try though.

Frank Yates

increasing the age to 21 will make it harder for younger people to get alcohl. Hopefully at this age you would be more mature and realize how to drink responsibly. EY

Frank Yates

increasing the age to 21 will make it harder for younger people to get alcohl. Hopefully at this age you would be more mature and realize how to drink responsibly.

Frank Yates

increasing the age to 21 will make it harder for younger people to get alcohl. Hopefully at this age you would be more mature and realize how to drink responsibly.

Frank Yates

increasing the age to 21 will make it harder for younger people to get alcohl. Hopefully at this age you would be more mature and realize how to drink responsibly.

Anonymous

instead of raised the period of the time for kid becoming adults but things doesn't change all this time there reason would be all the same. acting cool toward friends and then causes car crash, i reckon that Banned alcohol is the only solution that can may this from happening in the future!.

Anonymous

Y not just banned not to bring alcohol in Australia. 18-21 doesn't make a difference , getting alcohol from adult, waiting to be 21 then drink, its better off banned the alcohol from Australia. all this violence and bash other senseless are no difference .. ... simply is all alcohol fault why not just banned it then people among people and kikd among kid could change by them selves

Anonymous

I think it should stay at 18 because it will stay in the open

Kath

It will not make a difference as the they always find ways around it.

Anonymous

yes as when it was still 20 there was less drink driving problems or binge drinking teenagers

sue

yes i think it should be raised to 21...as it would be harder to go into alcohol places and buy it...

chrissyGirl

if people want alcohol they will get it. i remember when i was 15-16 hanging outside the local liquor store waiting and hoping for someone to buy our alcohol. 99% of the time it worked.

Frank Yates

if people want alcohol they will get it. i remember when i was 15-16 hanging outside the local liquor store waiting and hoping for someone to buy our alcohol. 99% of the time it worked.

so why weren't you in school learning?

Wen

Anything is worth trying I guess. Maybe parents should stop being so lenient and introducing teens to alcolhol.

rama

yep it will help the under-age drinker because they will be matured to think when to drink when not to.

Geoff1

I've worked in pubs for years, and controlled drinking is not really the problem. All bar staff in Australia have a Responsible service of Alcohol certificate so (in theory at least) minors shouldn't be in pubs. Kids have no trouble getting alcohol before turning 18 so I can't see that raising the drinking age would make a huge difference.

minispanky

I've worked in pubs for years, and controlled drinking is not really the problem. All bar staff in Australia have a Responsible service of Alcohol certificate so (in theory at least) minors...

i agree with geoff on this one.

rob

I think it will make the problem a lot and cause more grief to young adults and their parents, better education about the problems of under age drinking should
be taught to them at a young age.

Proteus

I have been saying for a long time now that the legal drinking age should be raised again to 21 !! On top of this, I feel that perhaps the licensed venues should also play their part in checking for underage drinkers, even when they are saying "of course we check" etc. !!
I also feel that everywhere you go nowadays, you can get alcohol - sporting venues, sports games, bmx tracks, footy games/ovals, even some small eating venues have licenses to serve alsohol with snacks or meals etc.
Maybe it's just time to curb the allocation of alcohlol licensed venues, and do something more positive about the younger generation (18 - mid 20's group particularly) and the alcohol fueled lifestyle they embrace with a passion. Other than curbing and raising dinking age etc., which we all know will never happen because of the GST revenue it raises with alcohol sales - I still have my doubts if doing any of these things will curb the underage drinking. But for now, well definatley raise the drinking age back to 21 !!

Ambs

I too think the legal age should be increased but in the same way that kids under 18 get their hands on grog and drugs, so too will the under 21's. It's just going to give them 3 extra years to revel in the rebellion that dictates their social lives. I think it's the fact that it is illegal until they are 18 that makes it that bit more appealing to do it before that. I've seen it time and time again. Before they are 18 kids try and get their hands on it as much as possible but them once they hit 18, they've had their fill and are over it.

jeremiah_cool

Yes,The legal age should be 21 in Australia to combat underage drinking.Because then,it will minimise the accidents caused by drunk drivers under 21. Also making the age 21 for alcohol also will help with under-age drinking atleast upto some extent.

Anonymous

I don't believe raising the drinking age would make any difference, it is how you bring up your children that sets them on the correct path. I have three boys now around 40 and they all like a beer but know how to handle it because they were allowed to have a shandy on a hot night with their dad. Prohibiting anything only makes it more appealing to weak minded individuals.

Tiddler

I've worked in pubs for years, and controlled drinking is not really the problem. All bar staff in Australia have a Responsible service of Alcohol certificate so (in theory at least) minors...

I think Di is right. Raising the buying age isn't going to help much because most homes have alochol in them these days so it is readily avalable to kids.. Parent training would help more!

giznjack

I think it should be raised along with the age to be in control of a vehicle. The vehicles of today are too powerful for a child to be in control. Also there should be mandatory training in both alcohol awareness and driving skills. Driving skill should also be made available for those adults who want it

Anonymous

I think it should be raised along with the age to be in control of a vehicle. The vehicles of today are too powerful for a child to be in control. Also there should be mandatory training in both...

i think it should be raised, not only because of the drink driving but also the violence .the kids seem to get drunk and then look for some poor devil to bash sensless.the gov. must bring in a "no tolerance" policy regarding youth and drink.am i a cynic or do lots of pollies have interests in pubs, i would really like to know.

bigred

Of course it should, but whether it makes any difference, as most of the younger drinkers get an older person to by their alcohol, like my step grand daughter whose father has been giving her alcohol since she was 13 she is now 17 an an alcoholic,

Ashar

Of course it should, but whether it makes any difference, as most of the younger drinkers get an older person to by their alcohol, like my step grand daughter whose father has been giving her...

A sad but true reflection on society today. Not only is the younger generation irresponsible but their parents too.

Anonymous

of course it will help, to make it harder for young kids to get alcohol is a great thing. We all drink too much too young. Its not trendy and it is not cool.

JB

raising the age to 21 may make it harder for young people to get alcohol ,and stop some from drinking ,anything is worth a try ,the binge drinking of youny people is really worrying

miss mufett

raising the age to 21 may make it harder for young people to get alcohol ,and stop some from drinking ,anything is worth a try ,the binge drinking of youny people is really worrying

I agree the age of drinking should be increased to 21, also increase the fines of the venues where alcohol is sold. Hopefully this would cut down on the need to keep selling and getting our young people drunk.

Lockie

raising the age to 21 may make it harder for young people to get alcohol ,and stop some from drinking ,anything is worth a try ,the binge drinking of youny people is really worrying

I agree, the problem seems to be getting worse. Something has to be done.

Colliedog

raising the age to 21 may make it harder for young people to get alcohol ,and stop some from drinking ,anything is worth a try ,the binge drinking of youny people is really worrying

I agree,many years ago the legal age for drinking was 21 and there was a lot less problems than these days.Young people still need to use some common sense and be responsible though as life isn't one big party