Should There Be an Age Limit for Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

Do you remember ordering your first "grown-up" drink as a child? Maybe it was a Shirley Temple at a family wedding or a virgin piña colada on a summer vacation. These drinks let us join in the fun of sharing a beverage without the risks of alcohol. Now, with new non-alcoholic drinks that mimic the taste of alcohol becoming popular, a key question comes up: should there be an age requirement to buy them?

Some people argue that because these drinks resemble alcoholic ones, they could lead to underage drinking. Others say they're harmless since they contain little or no alcohol. Let's explore both sides of the debate.

What Are Non-Alcoholic Drinks?

The term "non-alcoholic beverage" covers any drink with no or very little alcohol—from sodas to alcohol-free beer. Here, we're focusing on drinks designed to imitate alcoholic beverages, not everyday drinks like tea or coffee.

Non-alcoholic versions are made much like regular alcohol: grains, fruits, or plants are fermented with yeast, turning sugars into alcohol. Then, the alcohol is removed, leaving only trace amounts. In the U.S., a drink can be labeled non-alcoholic if it has 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less. For completely alcohol-free options, look for 0.0% ABV on the label.

These alternatives look and taste similar to alcoholic drinks, and now there are non-alcoholic versions of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails. Their popularity is rising, especially among those exploring the "sober curious" movement—people who want to enjoy the social and taste experience of drinking without the downsides of alcohol.

Current Rules for Buying Non-Alcoholic Drinks

In the United States, there's no nationwide age limit for buying non-alcoholic beer or similar drinks. Some states and stores have their own rules. For example, Florida, South Carolina, and Maine require buyers to be 21, the same as for alcohol. Other states set the age at 18, and some have no age limit at all.

This means in certain places, a child could buy a six-pack of non-alcoholic beer without any questions. Many parents are concerned and are pushing for age restrictions. Let's look at the reasons why.

Arguments for Age Requirements

Health experts and others in favor of age limits worry that non-alcoholic drinks could act as a gateway to alcohol. Though they don't cause intoxication or serious health issues, they might normalize drinking behavior.

• Influence on Future Drinking: Non-alcoholic drinks can make drinking seem normal because they look and taste like alcohol. If young people get used to the taste, they might be more likely to switch to alcoholic versions later.
• Social Reinforcement: Even without alcohol, these drinks can be mistaken for the real thing in social settings, reinforcing drinking culture.
• Health Concerns: While safer than alcohol, some non-alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and calories. Overconsumption, thinking it's harmless, could lead to health issues.

However, there isn't enough data yet to prove that non-alcoholic drinks lead to alcohol use. Let's consider the other side.

Arguments Against Age Requirements

The main argument against age limits is that non-alcoholic drinks are a safer alternative to alcohol. They don't cause intoxication or pose significant health risks.

Supporters believe these beverages can help reduce overall alcohol consumption. For example, a teenager at a party might choose non-alcoholic options if they're easily available. If there's an age limit, they might end up drinking alcohol instead.

Still, the gateway argument is strong, given the well-known risks of underage drinking.

Risks of Underage Drinking

Drinking alcohol at a young age is linked to many problems:

• Higher Risk of Dependence: Starting young increases the chance of developing alcohol use disorder.
• Impact on Brain Development: The brain develops until about age 25. Early drinking can harm areas involved in emotion, learning, and memory.
• Poor Health Outcomes: Alcohol is toxic and linked to chronic diseases. Starting early can worsen both short and long-term health.
• Mental Health Issues: Alcohol is a depressant and can lead to anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.
• Social Consequences: Impaired judgment from drinking can result in risky behavior, academic problems, and legal issues.

Preventing these risks requires awareness and education about the dangers of underage drinking.

Gen Z Drinking Trends

Gen Z (born between 1996 and 2010) is drinking less alcohol overall and is more involved in the sober curious movement. This may be due to greater health awareness, individuality, and the availability of non-alcoholic options.

While this generation drinks less, it's too soon to know how non-alcoholic drinks will affect their future habits. Supporting them with good information and role models is key.

How to Guide Young People Regarding Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Rather than just setting age limits, educating youth about alcohol risks is crucial. Most health experts aren't against minors consuming non-alcoholic drinks in family settings but emphasize responsible purchasing and awareness.

Here are some tips for parents and guardians:

• Share the Facts: Use science and data to explain alcohol's risks.
• Lead by Example: Model healthy behavior—kids notice if adults drink heavily.
• Don't Glorify Drinking: Shift focus away from alcohol as central to social life. Encourage other activities.
• Communicate Openly: Be firm but compassionate. Encourage honest conversations about alcohol.

Children absorb their surroundings. By teaching them early about alcohol's harms, we can help them make informed, healthy choices.

Key Takeaways

Age rules for non-alcoholic drinks vary, and opinions are divided. While there's no solid proof yet that these drinks harm minors, past examples like candy cigarettes (banned for promoting smoking) serve as warnings. Non-alcoholic beverages offer an alternative to alcohol, but many believe they could lead to real drinking. This debate highlights the importance of educating young people about alcohol's risks and making informed decisions together.