Crossing a state line means more than just experiencing a new culture. It often comes with a slew of new, often unexpected, laws. This is especially true when it comes to selling or serving alcohol. To keep you informed, here are the top six states with the strictest alcohol regulations and laws.
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Utah
It’s no secret to many that Utah tops this list of states with the strictest alcohol regulations. As an example, Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, or DABS, keeps a tight lid on beer that is sold in grocery and convenience stores. There, the ABV (alcohol by volume) for beer sales is strictly limited to 5%.
If you are looking for something stronger, such as wine or spirits, you will find that those items can only be sold in state-run stores. As for buying and consuming booze at your favorite restaurant or bar, you will also note that there are strict regulations concerning limits on happy hour and advertising drink specials. Laws also call for metered pouring so don’t expect your generous tip to earn you a “heavy hand” in Utah.
Additionally, Utah has a law that requires actual physical barriers in some restaurants to prohibit bartenders and patrons from sharing the same space. This law is in place to prevent children from seeing or experiencing the so-called glamor of bartending. However, in recent years, lawmakers have eased the issue surrounding what many call the “Zion Curtain.”
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Pennsylvania
Like Utah, Pennsylvania also controls the sale of wine and spirits through its state-run stores. The Pennsylvania liquor control board has recently loosened its stance on alcohol sales but there is still a bit of a burden for residents who wish to purchase beer. According to one site, Inquirer.com, residents still can’t buy liquor and beer under the same roof.
Beer can only be sold by local distributors, bars, grocery stores and breweries but most of these places have limitations regarding how much beer you can buy. As an example, grocery stores, convenience stores and bars are only licensed to sell up to 192 ounces of beer at a time. This is basically a 12-pack. If you want more beer than your two sixes, you must leave the facility and then return for a new transaction.
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Mississippi
Up next on our list of states with the strictest alcohol laws is Mississippi. Many counties in the Magnolia State are still “dry.” This means that alcohol sales are banned outright. If you’re in a dry county and seek beer or spirits, you have to drive to across the nearest county line that allows for those sales. Ironically, this can result in more DWI arrests or alcohol-related accidents as many choose to imbibe during the course of the long drive home. This coastal state also dictates that liquor and wine can only be sold in state-licensed stores which are, of course, strictly regulated.
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Kansas
Kansas was the last state to pull the plug on prohibition. The Sunflower State waited until 1948 before it decided to allow for the sale and distribution of alcohol once more. However, this state continues to maintain strict alcohol laws.
To start with, numerous counties remain dry throughout Kansas. Even the wet counties face strict regulations on when and where alcohol can be sold. There are also a number of restrictions regarding the sale of booze on Sundays.
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Tennessee
The Volunteer State has enacted a wide range of laws including notably high taxes. This is often considered a sin tax, but it doesn’t typically dissuade Tennesseans from imbibing. Tennessee also forbids alcohol from being sold on Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. Also, businesses are prohibited from handing out free or complimentary drinks.
Of Tennessee’s 95 counties only one, Moore County, is completely dry. Ironically, Moore County is home to the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. As a result, the local statutes will allow patrons to sample and buy liquor on the distillery grounds. It’s likely that the fine folks at Jack Daniels had a bit of a say in this unusual allowance.
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Alabama
Like many of the aforementioned states with the strictest alcohol laws, Alabama is also known as a “control state”. The alcohol regulatory board there controls the sales of all spirits. It also borrows from Tennessee’s policy of enacting a high sales tax on booze. Like many southern states, dry counties persist. However, even the wetter counties are required to have permits if, by chance, they dare to sell alcohol on a Sunday.
Alabama also prohibits the usage of neon signs designed to promote or sell alcohol. As well, if you wish to buy beer at a grocery or convenience store, that beer must be sold at room temperature. This low carbon option is likely a favorite among climate activists.
It should also be noted that states that didn’t make our list for having the strictest alcohol control often have some less than popular regulations. As an example, a law in Alaska specifies that a brewery can only pour 36 ounces of beer per person a day. Also, those breweries cannot offer music, dancing or games.
In Arkansas, minors convicted of drinking underage must pay a fine and then write an essay on the evils of alcohol. Connecticut prohibits the sale of all alcohol after 9 p.m. Ohio even prohibits giving alcohol to fish. Apparently, at some point, that became a bit of a problem for lonely fishermen in the Buckeye State.
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