In 1984 the drinking laws were set at a standard of 21 years old by the U.S. government. This laws reasoning was that with a higher drinking age would protect the young adults but there is no facts proving it. We are the only developed country with such a high drinking age most of Europe 16-18, China 18, and Russia 18.
The higher drinking age actually negatively affects everyone, if the drinking age was lower 18-20 year olds would go to a bar and drink in a controlled environment where they are much less likely to binge drink and if they appear too drunk someone can cut them off.
Studies show that 22% of people under 21 binge drink but only 18% of people over 21 binge drink. At the age of 18 we receive all the responsibilities of being an adult except the right to drink alcohol.