State lawmakers in Minnesota are bringing forward a plan to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18, and even allowing those sixteen and seventeen to drink in bars in accompanied by their parents.

There are at least four state representatives who are backing the plan.

Tom Hackbarth, a Republican from District 48A said, "I think that bars and restaurants are having a difficult time right now with the smoking ban that went into place. I think with economic times the way they are, I've never opposed the drinking age being 18."

He says the proposal could help the tavern industry.  However, Mothers Against Drunk Driving opposes this idea.

Julie Zamora, a representative of MADD, said, "People who start drinking at younger ages are more likely to have problems with alcohol later in life."

This is not the first time that Minnesota has faced this issue. Last year a similar proposal was brought to the legislature, but never got a full hearing.