Hello gentlemen/ladies,

Just to clarify something, the topic of this thread is legal drinking age, NOT a conversation about age of sexual consent....

It occurred to me recently that we have a large number of youngin's here, as in the under-20 demographic, who are shaving with SR's but aren't even old enough to buy booze. That reminded me that for a lot of our American friends the legal drinking age is 21.

The LDA varies in Canada from province to province, just as it varies from state to state. Here in Alberta it is 18. This seems reasonable enough to me, as the age of majority includes many other responsibilities other than buying alcohol. 21 just seems to be such an odd-ball number, and I have no idea why it was chosen. As well, it just doesn't seem right. In the States at 18 you are deemed old enough (and therefore responsible enough) to vote for your president, you can die for your country in the armed forces, you can operate a motor vehicle (with the potential to kill people) and I'm assuming you can also buy a gun. But apparently you aren't mature enough to go to a liquor store and buy a six pack to enjoy a hot summer day, or enjoy a nice glass of wine with a meal. You get my drift...

So, what is the legal drinking age in your area? What are your thoughts on the whole issue?