What does the National Minimum Drinking Age Act prohibit?

The National Minimum Drinking Age Act, enacted in 1984, prohibits the purchase and public possession of alcohol by individuals under the age of 21 in the United States. This law mandates that states must enforce this minimum legal drinking age, and those that do not comply face a reduction in federal highway funds.

The act primarily aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents and incidents among young people by restricting their access to alcoholic beverages. Consequently, states implemented strict laws and penalties for underage drinking, including fines and other legal repercussions for both sellers and minors found in possession of alcohol. The legislation has played a significant role in shaping the drinking age policies across the country and has been credited with helping to decrease alcohol consumption among teens.