Drinking Age

BOSTON--The Massachusetts House of Representatives yesterday sent to the State Senate the controversial bill gradually raising the drinking age to 21, despite what both sides agree are technical flaws in the legislation.

A last moment effort by opponents to have the House reconsider its prior approval of the bill failed 89-55.

State Rep. Robert B. Ambler said yesterday it was useless for the House to try to correct the bill because he had been assured the Senate Ways and Means Committee would do it. The committee has scheduled immediate meetings to look over the bill. The final bill would accomplish what the House had recommended, Ambler said.