History regularly proves that attempts to overly control people lead to dissension and accordingly, imaginative ways to beat the system. It’s a curious human trait that drives a person to exaltation as they successfully fly under any given radar. When young and daring, any dodging and weaving, even if unnecessary, results in victorious jubilation.
An organisation called Gatekeepers South Africa has proposed that the drinking age should be raised to 23 years. We all agree that drinking in excess is dangerous, especially when the drinker is a driver or a brain surgeon. Accordingly, underage drinking is abhorrent in every way.
Recent documented evidence of adults encouraging children to drink is a prime example. On all that, I am sure we are unanimously on page. Consider the legislation.
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A person of 16 can not only dress poorly and look slovenly, but also drive a motorcycle. That person also enjoys the power of sexual consent. Hallelujah!
Families can be reared at that tender age. At 18, a person has the right to vote, drive a vehicle, marry and drink. Say no more — logical.
At 21, they have contractual capacity with all the benefits and risks associated with it. In effect, that person can now take full and complete responsibility for their lives, as long as parents remain to bail them out! With all that in mind, the notion that people must wait to age 23 to have an alcoholic beverage seems a tad ludicrous.
In terms of control, a 23 year old could, to the casual eye, appear to be almost any age from 18 to 28, even older. So effectively, until age 23, or above, you will need to brandish your ID every time you buy a drink. Imagine a couple with their children on holiday.
At dinner, a bottle of wine is ordered at which time, the sommelier with a haughty attitude born of sniffing corks, “angels share” (whisky fumes) and stuff, asks, “May I see your ID?” Give me a break! The current legislation is adequate; making it stick is the challenge.
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