<Li> Contrary to popular belief , since the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 , not all states specifically prohibit minors ' and young adults ' consumption of alcohol in private settings . That is because the federal law is concerned only with purchase and public possession , not private consumption , and contains several exceptions . As of January 1 , 2007 , 14 states and the District of Columbia ban underage consumption outright , 19 states do not specifically ban underage consumption outright , and 17 states have family member or location exceptions to their underage consumption laws . Federal law explicitly provides for religious , medical , employment and private club possession exceptions ; as of 2005 , 31 states have family member or location exceptions to their underage possession laws . </Li>
<Li> Contrary to popular belief , since the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 , not all states specifically prohibit minors ' and young adults ' consumption of alcohol in private settings . That is because the federal law is concerned only with purchase and public possession , not private consumption , and contains several exceptions . As of January 1 , 2007 , 14 states and the District of Columbia ban underage consumption outright , 19 states do not specifically ban underage consumption outright , and 17 states have family member or location exceptions to their underage consumption laws . Federal law explicitly provides for religious , medical , employment and private club possession exceptions ; as of 2005 , 31 states have family member or location exceptions to their underage possession laws . </Li>
when did the legal age to drink change from 18 to 21
when did the legal age to drink change from 18 to 21
1984
1984