ST. PAUL (AP) - Some state lawmakers have introduced bills that would lower the drinking age in Minnesota from 21 to 18.

Representative Phyllis Kahn of Minneapolis says lowering the drinking age could decrease binge drinking among young adults because it would make alcohol less forbidden.

Kahn admits her House bill has little chance of becoming law.

The bill would allow people ages 18 to 20 to drink alcohol at places that carry liquor licenses, but it wouldn't allow them to buy alcohol at stores. A similar bill is in the Senate.

Critics say the bill is based on good intentions, but they are skeptical that lowering the drinking age would curb excessive drinking among young adults. Critics say it could increase drunken driving deaths and would put the state at risk of losing millions in federal funds.