Category: Policy

Dry counties have higher DWI or DUI fatality rates than wet counties. That is, alcohol prohibition or dry counties have higher rates of alcohol-related traffic deaths than do wet counties. Here are the results from three states. There are many examples. Here are three. I. Arkansas A study of all counties in Arkansas found dry […]

I. Background: Alcohol Taxes.              Governments collect excise taxes on alcohol beverages. That is, on beer, wine, and distilled spirits (liquor). Both the federal government and state governments impose alcohol taxes. Producers, importers, wholesalers and, sometimes, retailers pay excise alcohol taxes. Of course, they pass these these alcohol taxes on […]

I. Impact of BAC on Traffic Crashes. What’s the effect of BAC on traffic crashes? (BAC = blood alcohol concentration.) Most drivers who have any alcohol in their bodies have a low and legal BAC. As a result, they have few alcohol-related crashes. The chart below shows BAC in relation to risk of crach. Clearly, […]

I. Beliefs about Alcohol Policy. Many groups and individuals oppose alcohol monopoly privatization. Of course, public employee unions adamantly fight against it for obvious reasons. In addition, many temperance-oriented groups also strongly oppose increasing the availability of alcohol. That includes limiting the Number of stores that can sell alcohol. Days and hours of alcohol sales. […]

I. The Question. Does drinking alcohol mixed with energy drinks cause more alcohol consumption? Do drinkers feel more intoxicated? Does it lead to more risk-taking behavior? These are important questions. And they’re hotly debated. The concerns have led to laws, regulations, and public policies. Many people and organizations suggest that caffeine in energy drinks can […]

The minimum drinking age on cruise ships varies, even within the same cruise line. The U.S. has the highest minimum drinking age in the world. This creates numerous headaches for both cruise lines and passengers. In most cruise destinations, the minimum drinking age is 18. You’ll find a link to each cruise line’s home page. […]

I. What is Moonshine? Moonshine is slang for distilled spirits made without governmental authorization. The term may have originated because much of the distilling, packaging and distribution was done at night. Or it may have come from “moonraker.” That was an early English word for a smuggler. Other common terms for illegally-made spirits are mountain […]

The Amethyst Initiative is a group of college and university presidents across the U.S. They promote public discussion about the unintended consequences of current alcohol policies. This includes the minimum legal drinking age of 21. Amethyst Initiative presidents  invite new ideas on how best to prepare young adults to make responsible decisions about alcohol use. Dr. […]

by Lynne Breaux What can we learn from the French about drinking alcohol? A recent sojourn of Paris’ splendid cafe society spotlighted the French respect for, and the American disrespect for alcohol. Many enjoyable hours were spent imbibing in historic, treasured brasseries and never was an intoxicated patron observed. What was observed were cheerful friends and […]

Overview The majority of states in the U.S. permit adults age 18 to 20 to tend bar in on-premises establishments. Below is the minimum age for bartending in each U.S. state. Generally the term “bartender” refers to a person who dispenses alcoholic beverages. On the other hand, “server” refers to a waitperson. See the minimum […]