A Georgia lawmaker says if our service men and women are mature enough to fight for our country, then they can also enjoy a beer on base.

Congressman Jack Kingston, (R-GA)introduced a bill in late July which would allow 18-year-old, active-duty soldiers to drink beer and wine at restaurants on base.  

“The government spends a lot of money to train [service men and women] so it’s a big investment but there’s no trust to allow them to have a beer at dinner,” said Congressman Kingston’s spokesperson, Chris Crawford.

This doesn’t mean an 18-year old could go buy beer and wine at a gas station. Nor can he or she buy or drink liquor.  The bill, HR 5958, would allow an 18-year-old, active-duty service members to buy and drink beer and wine by the glass at restaurants, enlisted clubs and events on base. Supporters say it’s a way to introduce alcohol responsibly.

“It’s only in places where they’ll have officers around them,” said Crawford.

The bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee. It is co-sponsored by Rep. Gene Taylor, (D-MS.)

Those who disagree with the bill include Rep. Joe Wilson, (R-SC). He and others say lowering the drinking age for active-duty service members would lead to alcohol abuse across the nation’s armed services.

“Although I normally see eye to eye with Congressman Kingston, I oppose this particular piece of legislation,” said Congressman Wilson. “My concern is that lowering the drinking age for active-duty service members could lead to alcohol abuse.”

This is the first push to lower the drinking age since 2008 when Congressmen in Kentucky, Wisconsin and South Carolina introduced legislation to lower the drinking age for military members.