Thousands of young adults were taken by surprise, when reports started making rounds that the White House is planning to raise the legal drinking age to 25, starting 2 August. However, it now appears that the news was a hoax.
The pranksters, who spread the false news, claim that they fooled over 8 million people.
"As of August 2, 2014 legal age to drink wil be 25. There has been controversy whether 21 is too young to make decisions. A lot of citizens state at that age they are not mentally responsible to drink. So the legislation at the White House has come to an agreement to have legal age changed to 25," the hoax report, claiming to be from ABC News, stated.
The hoax was reported on Sunday Times Daily, which is a fake news website that says: "Create your own fake news and trick your friends by sharing it on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social network."
"Celebrities, show business and sports news seem to be the hottest topics. You need to be creative for your joke to seem real. This way you will be able to trick your friends!" it adds.
When users arrive on the link of the hoax posted on Sunday Times Daily, it says, "Don't worry, you are not the only one. [More than 8 million] people already fell for this. If you liked the joke, you can share it and trick your friends."
The hoax gained momentum, especially through Twitter, and many youngsters were saddened by the news. Here are there reactions:
That shit not true RT @djsilence757: so the us really raising the drinking age to 25 ?!?!?!? pic.twitter.com/0YYf1sfJST
— IG: rellyfnb (@LLCoolJerrell) June 25, 2014
I heard the drinking age was going up to 25 ...if that's true what's the point of turning 21 anymore — SB✞✨ (@SabrieeeXX) June 25, 2014
ati drinking age to be moved to 25? is that a proposed bill? wtff this gov't seeks to divert our attention from the rising insecurity
— ★ShaSha Finesse★ (@Shay_OUTLAW) June 25, 2014
I saw on here that they were gonna change the legal drinking age to 25 and I almost started crying but then I saw it was a hoax lol #notcool — Draculaura (@Melissa_Plague) June 25, 2014
Jesus people, the drinking age is not getting raised to 25. Do some research and stop believing everything you see on Facebook/Twitter.
— Zackary Chumchal (@Chumpy07) June 23, 2014
In majority of the countries, the minimum drinking age is 18. According to WHO, in 50 countries the minimum age is lower than 18, and in 12 countries it is higher than 18.
The United Kingdom is the only country which has a minimum legal age for consuming alcohol at home and prohibits drinking below the age of six.