There are multiple reasons for being worried about excessive alcohol consumption, especially among young individuals. In the UK, alcohol abuse has resulted in various social, economic, and health issues, including:
- Alcohol related accidents.
- Health problems
- Alcohol addiction major cause of family breakdown.
The report titled “Health First: An evidence-based alcohol strategy for the UK” estimates that alcohol costs up to £55bn per year in England and £7.5bn in Scotland. A study conducted by Sheffield University, commissioned by the government, suggests that implementing a minimum price of 45p would result in a 4.3% decrease in alcohol consumption. This reduction has the potential to prevent 2,000 deaths and 66,000 hospital admissions over a span of ten years. The researchers also suggest that this policy could lead to an annual decline of 24,000 crimes. From an economic perspective, alcohol is considered a demerit good.
Excessive alcohol consumption, especially among young individuals, can result in underestimated personal expenses. Additionally, society bears external costs like healthcare and accident treatment expenses, along with a decline in work productivity. Hence, the social cost of alcohol exceeds the private cost, warranting government intervention to address alcohol-related issues. Raising the legal drinking age makes it harder to obtain alcohol and has the potential to decrease both personal and social expenditures.
Upon reaching the age of 18, individuals become adults and gain the right to vote. Granting them autonomy in deciding whether or not to consume alcohol is crucial. It should be noted that moderate alcohol consumption does not always result in harm. Rather than completely banning it, authorities can combat excessive drinking by raising the prices of alcoholic beverages and implementing measures to counteract the prevailing drinking culture.
The implementation of a higher legal drinking age at 21 is expected to cause most young people to violate the law since alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in our society. This action may even drive individuals to find ways to circumvent the law, giving rise to underground sources of alcohol that are more difficult to control. It can be contended that there are more efficient methods for addressing problems associated with alcohol.
