Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA)

The Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) is the legal age at which an individual is permitted to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. In many countries, including the United States, the MLDA is set at 21 years old. This law aims to reduce alcohol-related harm among young people, as research indicates that younger drinkers are at higher risk for accidents,health issues, and addiction. By establishing a legal age limit, governments seek to promote public health and safety while encouraging responsible drinking behavior among adults.