There really is no reason to have a drinking age or even a smoking age. If people want it, they're gonna get it- the same goes with drugs, sex (prostitution), illegal weapons, etc. The gov can make any law it wants, but nothing will stop teenagers from drinking or smoking pot . Enforcing these laws is nearly impossible and breaking them is just as easy. Additionally, I have heard -so- many people say that they drank a lot less when they turned 21, since the "thrill" of underage drinking had waned and they'd simply become more responsible. I know that the plural of anecdote is not data, but it is a sensible point. These laws encourage more irresponsibility, instead of inhibiting it. SO....The REAL drinking age is - whatever age you happen to be if you drink. So much for the law. Cry, pout, and put teens in jail... that's just the way it is.