personally, Id let them have a drink at home if everyone else was (in moderation of course)...that way drinking doesnt have that forbidden temptation to it, but Id be like "its cool here, but only here til you're old enough and responsible enough to be under the influence when out of my control" One drink or ten, you're still influenced, especially at 1st. Better to gradually get their systems used to it to an extent rather than waiting for one uncontrollable binge on their 18th....or 21st if you live in the US. You have to learn your limit and respect what can happen when you exceed that limit. I think its better for that to be done in the safety of your own home.