The music industry should follow the lead of the consortium of major college and university presidents who this week called for the US to lower the legal drinking age to 18. They point to studies that show current restrictions actually encourage dangerous binge drinking among young adults. Only four countries (Ukraine, South Korea, Malaysia and the US) restrict drinking until 21.
Whatever the morale or scientific arguments for or against lowering the drinking age there is one indisputable fact: a lower drinking age would be good news for music and the music industry.
Before the age was raised to 21, circuits of clubs presenting live music…
flourished; not just in large cities but also in small towns. Bands
from Bangor to Butte were able to sustain themselves and hone their
craft by playing regionally 4 or 5 nights a week. College towns had
scenes of their own and official school events weren’t shunned for
private parties where alcohol is served illegally.
Alcohol abuse at any age is horrible. But I suspect that most of us
in the music industry have always thought it was hypocritical to tell
kids they could vote and fight in a war, but weren’t old enough to have
a drink. It’s time for both artists and the music industry came out in
vocal support of lowering the drinking age to 18. Some will call it
opportunistic or worse, but in our hearts we’ll also know we’re right. – Bruce Houghton
