Rising age limit for legal drinking under scrutiny in Latvia once more.
The Cabinet of Ministers has taken a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns about alcohol consumption among young people. An initiative has been put forward, suggesting a rise in the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from 18 to 21 years.
The proposal, which has garnered no opposition from MPs, is a response to the increasing evidence that the damage caused by alcohol to the brain is significantly more pronounced in individuals under 25 years of age compared to adults. The authors of the initiative cite scientific research showing that the human brain continues to develop up to the age of 23 and even 25.
The assessment of this initiative will be comprehensive, taking into account various strategies to reduce alcohol consumption among young people. These strategies include setting a higher MLDA, enforcing strict advertising bans, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and implementing culturally tailored policies to limit alcohol availability and promote awareness of alcohol harms among young people.
International guidelines and practices support these measures. Many countries, such as the United States, enforce a federal MLDA of 21, leading to reduced alcohol use among underage youth and lowering subsequent adult consumption and illicit drug use. European countries, while often having lower MLDAs (typically 18), could potentially benefit from raising these ages, as evidence suggests it could reduce early binge drinking and alcohol poisoning among teens.
The assessment will also consider other possible solutions to achieve the objective. For instance, guidelines for safe consumption limits, such as those in the UK where adults are advised not to exceed 14 units weekly, could be part of the discussion.
It is important to note that the assessment does not imply an immediate change in the age limit for alcohol purchase. The outcome of the assessment will determine whether the government supports the proposal to raise the age limit for alcohol purchase to 21 years.
In addition, the initiative proposes a ban on the sale, involvement in the consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. Non-compliance with these prohibitions should be punished in accordance with the legislation that has been applied to persons under 18 years of age.
Administrative liability should also be imposed on the users of alcohol under the age of 21. This reflects a broader international approach emphasizing enforcement of advertising bans and restrictions on sales to minors under frameworks like WHO’s SAFER strategy, which also promotes stronger restrictions on alcohol availability and aggressive measures against drunk driving.
The evaluation of the initiative to consider raising the age limit for alcohol purchase is expected to be submitted to the Parliament by October 31, 2026. The decision to assess the initiative is a significant step towards addressing the issue of youth alcohol consumption and reflects the government's commitment to the wellbeing and safety of its young citizens.
- The proposal to raise the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) from 18 to 21 years is a part of the government's initiative to address concerns about alcohol consumption among young people, supported by scientific research indicating the damaging effects of alcohol on the developing brain.
- The assessment of this initiative will incorporate a range of strategies to reduce alcohol consumption among young people, including setting a higher MLDA, enforcing advertising bans, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and implementing culturally tailored policies for alcohol awareness and prevention.
- The assessment will also examine other potential solutions to minimize youth alcohol consumption, such as setting safe consumption limits like those in the UK, and considering adopting the international approach emphasizing enforcement of advertising bans and restrictions on sales to minors, like the WHO’s SAFER strategy.
