In today’s world, there are plenty of crazy laws regarding many different topics. However, there are perhaps none crazier than those involving alcohol. From determining whether or not a state can have an official “Happy Hour” to whether or not you can order a double while seated at a restaurant, there are many unusual laws enforced on a daily basis across the United States. If you’re planning on purchasing a six-pack or having a drink with your meal, here are four of the strangest alcohol laws on the books.
Happy Hour is Illegal in Massachusetts
If you’re looking for an after-work drink special to enjoy, you won’t find it in Massachusetts. As the first state to do so in 1984, the state not only bans Happy Hour, but all types of drink specials, such as all-you-can-drink, free drinks, offering drinks as prizes, and fixed-price open bars. Failing to be repealed as recently as 2014, it looks as if the state is always destined to have an unhappy hour.
St. Patrick’s Day Sundays
If you’re a Maine resident who likes to start enjoying some St. Patrick’s Day beverages early in the day, you better hope this holiday falls on Sunday. Thanks to state legislation, alcohol can only be purchased after 9 a.m. on Sundays–unless it’s St. Patrick’s Day. In years when this holiday falls on Sunday, you can buy your first drink starting at 6 a.m., giving you three additional hours to enjoy that keg of beer at the end of the rainbow.
Don’t Nurse a Drink in Alaska
If you’re in an Alaska bar or restaurant, don’t plan on nursing your drinks. According to state law, bartenders and servers won’t be allowed to serve you a third drink if you are still in possession of your first two. Therefore, if you want to keep the drinks coming your way, drink up as soon as they arrive.
No Food in Liquor Stores
In Colorado, state law reads that no food may be sold in liquor stores. However, the exception to this is if the store sells types of food that can be used as a cocktail garnish. But since this dramatically limits the foods that can be sold in these stores, don’t count on finding your favorite bag of chips there anytime soon.
Now that you know that, be grateful that you may not have such strange laws in your own state. And of course, be sure to check out detox tips.
References:
Consumer Reports| 8 States With The Strangest Alcohol Laws
Aim To Serve| Here are 5 of the Weirdest Alcohol Laws From Around The Country
Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control| Liquor Laws
Author Harper Harmon is a freelance writer and blogger who focuses on business, health and other various topics. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communication from UCLA and currently resides in Santa Cruz with her dog, Sassy.
