Lawmaker: Lower drinking age for active-duty troops

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Eighteen-year-old active duty service members can vote, smoke and fight for their country, but they can't legally have a drink. Now a Maryland state legislator is looking to change that.

A bill proposed by Sen. Ron Young, D-Frederick, would allow active-duty service members who are at least 18-years-old to be served beer and wine.

The service member would be required to show their military identification at the bar or restaurant where they are being served.

The bill is scheduled for a hearing Friday.

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program has already spoken out against the bill, saying that supporting troops and supporting the national minimum drinking age — 21— are not mutually exclusive. The group says people can support troops and also support a drinking age of 21.

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