CADCA Opposes Legislation to Allow Underage Drinking on Military Installations

Congressmen Jack Kingston and Gene Taylor introduced H.R. Bill 5958, which would allow military personnel who are 18 and on active duty to purchase and drink beer and wine at certain locations on military installations. CADCA sent a letter to Congressmen Kingston and Taylor expressing its concerns with the bill and urged them to reconsider moving forward with this legislation.

During 2002, 20.2 percent of junior enlisted personnel reported serious alcohol-related consequences, 27.2 percent reported lost productivity, and 22.6 percent reported symptoms of dependence. The prevention field has made major strides in reducing underage drinking in recent years and this legislation severely undermines the efforts of the many community anti-drug coalitions throughout the country and their message that underage drinking has a host of negative consequences associated with it, including impaired brain functioning and can have long lasting effects on those under the age of 21 whose brains are not yet fully developed. Lowering the drinking age on military bases would also exacerbate problems associated with underage drinking that are already occurring.

The preponderance of evidence indicates that the 21 minimum legal drinking age has improved public health and safety. Approximately 25,000 lives have been saved since the implementation of the 21 year old drinking age. While lowering the drinking age will remove the immediate enforcement issue on military installations, it will not alleviate the major costs and consequences associated with alcohol abuse.