TCA § 33-10-301 — Legislative findings

The general assembly finds that any proposition to increase the legal drinking age raises many issues and involves many organizations in both the public and private sector. First, a disproportionate number of fatal highway accidents involve both people under twenty-five (25) years of age and the use of alcoholic beverages. Second, the public school system is not consistently using a curriculum that emphasizes the effects of alcoholic beverages on individuals and their communities. Third, resources for early intervention programs for high-risk children who abuse alcoholic beverages are widely scattered and often unavailable to many children. Fourth, the state does not presently operate or have a contractual relationship for residential treatment facilities for the care and treatment of children who abuse alcoholic beverages and other drugs. Fifth, sanctions for present violations of the Tennessee alcoholic beverage and beer licensing statutes concerning sales to minors are often not imposed, because of varying standards, as well as a lack of knowledge on the part of licensing authorities.