Old Grand Dad

The grandfather clause.

Nobody seems to know how it got its name, but everybody who is affected by it loves it, and knows the ins and outs of how it works. Or at least they think they do.

Because in Massachusetts, the recent raise in the drinking age from 20 to 21 has brought along with it a unique grandfather clause; it's one which protects in-state drinkers, but causes a big hassle for out-of-state sippers.

As is customary, the state grandfather clause grants the right of liquor purchasing to those state residents who were of legal drinking age (i.e. 20 or over) before the higher age went into effect on June 1.

But if you're not a Bay Stater, don't be shocked when the waitress at Chi-Chi's tells you she can't accept your Ohio driver's license. That's because according to the legislation passed this year "you can't use your state driver's license and must get a Massachusetts i.d. to drink," said Dot Nichols, an official in the Governor's office.

She adds that state liquor purchasing cards are available at all offices of the State Registry. However, 20-year-old visitors to the Boston area will have to shell out $5 for the privilege of sampling the Kong's finest Scorpion bowl, according to officials in the Registry Office.