MDs' bid to raise drinking age meets opposition

CMAJ 2000;162:1599

The proposal is one of 22 recommendations in the college's Pediatric Death Review Committee report, which was released in early April. It suggests that raising the drinking age could significantly reduce traffic fatalities by keeping alcohol out of the hands of young drivers.

Dr. Robert Walker, deputy registrar of the Manitoba college, said the recommendation is based on American experience, which shows that every state that lowered its drinking age in the early 1980s raised it back to 21 by 1988. "Data accumulated by US officials suggested that the change helped to reduce the number of traffic deaths among teenagers and young adults," says Walker.

The college's proposed age change is tied to another recommendation calling for a graduated licensing system, in which new drivers would hone their skills under conditions that minimize injury risk. The restrictions include a prohibition against driving at night for young drivers, a copilot program and zero blood alcohol tolerance. This program is already in place next door in Ontario.

Ron Ledohowski of the Winnipeg-based Hospitality Corporation says the college recommendation would make it difficult for the hospitality industry to find enough restaurant workers.

"This age group [18 to 20] is very important to the industry. Restaurants and bars are already competing with each other for the same employees. If this group is prevented from working, it's going to really hurt us."

Allan Pond, a 19-year-old bartender at a Winnipeg restaurant, says that without the income from his job, he would be forced to withdraw from a BSc degree program he hoped would lead to medical school. "If you're too young to serve liquor or work as a bartender, then who is going to hire you?" Pond asks.

Many young people called a local radio station to voice their disapproval of the proposed age change, saying that it is already easier to purchase illicit drugs than alcohol. However, the president of the Winnipeg Students Association came out in support of the change.

"If you ask me, it's too easy for kids age 15 and 16 to get their 18-year-old friends to buy them alcohol," says Andrew Morrow. "At 21, a person is more responsible for his behaviour."

Diane McGifford, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, said the government has no immediate plans to raise the drinking age, but there will be public consultations on the Liquor Control Act this spring and the drinking age is likely to be discussed. "I expect the college and many others will attend the hearings," says McGifford.— David Square, Winnipeg

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