Buying Alcohol Illegally – Does Gender Matter?

In the United States, the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (MLDA) is 21 years of age, making it illegal for those under 21 to purchase or possess alcohol. However, college students often attempt to purchase alcohol at restaurants/bars/clubs or at retail (grocery, liquor, and convenience) stores. The “allure” of doing something illegal can lead to “urban myths” about how easy it is to purchase alcohol illegally and who will be more successful at “getting away with it”. Such perceptions may lead college students to believe that underage females can more successfully purchase alcohol in retail establishments than males