By issuing both practical and inexplicably bizarre laws, America has become home to the most bizarre alcohol restrictions.
Finding themselves in a situation where their favorite alcoholic beverages finally gained legal status, but their distribution had to be controlled to prevent a collapse, state legislators had to hastily create laws aimed at maintaining order.
Some of them turned out to be quite useful, and in some cases even necessary, while others, by today’s standards, made no sense at all. For example, it is unclear how the problem of drunkenness among moose could have grown so large that giving them alcohol should have been outlawed.
To this day, however, many strange laws continue to exist, reflecting some points in America’s long history of dealing with alcohol.
- Drunken moose?
In Alaska, it is illegal to serve alcoholic beverages to moose. And while the idea of sharing a couple of beers with an ungulate is hardly one of the top 10 most popular ideas for most people, it appears that the idea of limiting alcohol consumption by moose makes some sense not just in America. Early last year, for example, Swedish rescuers watched an “extremely drunk” moose try to free itself by getting stuck in a tree after eating too many fermented apples. Fortunately, the 700-pound elk soon managed to break free on its own and run off into the woods toward the imminent morning hangover.
2 And in Ohio, for example, it is illegal to give alcohol to fish.
If in the near future you were planning to treat your aquarium fish to a glass of wine, then take all measures so as not to find yourself at that moment in Ohio, where it is forbidden to give alcohol to fish. The reason that prompted lawmakers to create such an ordinance is unknown to this day. Neither, however, is the law concerning elk.
- Your children have every right to a glass of wine in Alaska
In Alaska, the law allows minors to drink alcoholic beverages as long as they are not in a bar or restaurant at the time and have permission from their parents or guardians. The purchase of alcohol by minors is prohibited, although it is sometimes possible as part of state-sponsored special “law enforcement” efforts to identify sellers who do not follow the law on ID checks to determine the customer’s age.
- warm beer from Oklahoma
Planning to enjoy a glass of cold beer containing more than 4% alcohol on a hot summer day? In Oklahoma, you’ll have to wait for your home refrigerator to do its job, because for some unknown reason the sale of chilled beer with more than 4% alcohol content is prohibited here. Instead, beer must be served at room temperature. If you’re a fan of a chilled beverage, your choice may be a bit constricted.
- Cocktail? Sure, just let me remove myself behind the partition.
The magic door to Narnia or just a means to conceal the dark magic of mixology? Whatever that means, but the Zion partition is a must-have bar in Utah. The special partition hides bartenders from customers, eliminating the possibility of offending the sensibilities of those in attendance who refuse to consume alcohol. The measure was supposed to be long-term and help defeat excessive drinking, but in May 2009, Utah’s governor signed a law allowing existing restaurants to remove the dividing wall. That said, only opening restaurants would still be required to make cocktails outside the customer’s view.
- Considering paying for drinks another time? Not in Iowa!
The days when regular customers ran up bills that lasted weeks, months and even years are over. Especially for those who live in the state of Iowa. Here, it is illegal for bartenders to open a bill, and customers are required to pay the full amount on the check before they leave the establishment. Helpful for bar owners, and downright inconvenient for willing drinkers with no money.
- Remembered a drink right before Christmas? You can forget…
No matter how busy you are in the pre-holiday rush, Arkansas recommends that you stock up on alcohol before Christmas. The sale of alcoholic beverages is absolutely prohibited here on December 25th. Similar laws exist in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico.