Final answer:
The purchase of alcohol by youth under 21 is prohibited in Georgia due to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purchase of alcohol by youth under 21 is prohibited in Georgia. This restriction is in accordance with the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which required states to lower their minimum drinking age to twenty-one or forfeit a significant amount of federal highway funds. The act was implemented to address concerns regarding the negative effects of underage drinking and to promote public safety.
By setting the minimum age at 21, Georgia, like other states, aims to restrict access to these products during a crucial period of brain development and decision-making. This measure is also in response to the increasing popularity of vaping products among young people and the associated health concerns, including the outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries.