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BU Research: Drinking Age Should Remain At 21

BOSTON (CBS) -- Should the drinking age be lowered? A local professor says no. He tells WBZ NewsRadio 1030 that the current law saves lives.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports

BU Professor: Drinking Age Should Remain At 21

Boston University Professor William DeJong is the author of a new study appearing in a special supplemental issue to the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.

DeJong says while some believe the drinking age could be lowered, his research shows age 21 has been an effective drinking age. He says research shows many kids do actually obey the law and those who don't, often place some restrictions on themselves so they don't get caught.

"Everybody knows the law is widely disobeyed like the speed limits on the Mass. Pike are widely disobeyed," DeJong said. "Even with that, the evidence is very clear that the law has saved lives."

DeJong also believes we need to do a better job helping young people realize that the idea all kids are out binge drinking is a myth.

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