I let and even encouraged my kids to start drinking at 16, even at 14 a drink was permitted. However, they must drink responsibly and in moderation. I knew kids who went off to college who never had a drop of alcohol and then it was a danger so I wanted them to know what it is and does and how it reacts to them. The government can piss off that is a decision that should be up to the parents, like almost everything else.