drink - over 21's only?

An american friend of mine claims that changeing the age of legal drinking legally to over 21 federally, meant a huge decrease in violence, car accidents etc. I find this hard to believe - I think any 18 year ole wouldn't find it too hard to access alcohol, and in any case I don't think young people suddenly develop responsibility at 21. Anyone know the hard facts?

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Yes, but bear in mind in the US these type of laws work because they are, amazingly enough enforced. In the states, if you step out of line you are done for it.
Over here, 18 would work grand if it was enforced. it would work even better if the law regardig not serving drunk people was strictly adhered to. Add in a proper and effecient way to get people home quickly and cheaply and you remove the problem.
Instead we end up with piseed 16 year olds, getting served until 3am and then being able to get otu of city centres. And we wonder why we have a problem.