The legal drinking age is the minimum age at which a person is allowed to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. In many countries, including the United States, this age is set at 21 years. This law aims to reduce alcohol-related accidents and health issues among young people. Different countries have varying legal drinking ages. For example, in many European nations, the age is often 18. These laws reflect cultural attitudes towards alcohol and its consumption, influencing how societies manage alcohol-related behaviors among their youth.