Alcohol and Drinking Facts in States across the U.S.
ALABAMA
About two of every three counties in Alabama are dry. That is, they prohibit the production, distribution and sale of any alcoholic beverages.
However, Alabama permits the sale of fireworks, tobacco and firearms and it does so with virtually no restrictions or regulations.
For example, there is no state permit required to purchase or carry rifles and shotguns, no licensing of owners of rifles or shotguns, and no registration of such deadly weapons. Similarly, there is no state permit needed to purchase a handgun, no licensing of handgun owners, and no registration of handguns. Even young children can carry and use dangerous firearms. 1
Alabamans apparently view a drink as more dangerous than fireworks, tobacco, or rifles, shotguns and pistols. Is a drink in the hand of a mature adult more dangerous than a gun in the hand of an immature child?
ALASKA
There are 83 dry towns and villages in Alaska. 2 In addition, Fairbanks is a dry town for moose, where it's illegal to feed a moose any alcoholic beverage. 3 Apparently they can’t hold their alcohol.
ARIZONA
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control recently raided a weekly senior citizens’ garden party within a gated community in Mesa. Agents seized the alcoholic beverages and wrote a citation for selling alcohol without a license.
Perhaps the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control has too many officers and too much time on its hands. Or perhaps this over zealous enforcement is simply a reflection of the growing anti-alcohol movement in the United States. 4
ARKANSAS
Temperance members of the Russellville City council in Arkansas approved a motion censoring any discussion of legalizing alcohol sales during budget sessions. The motion was passed after the city's Revenue Task Force suggested legalizing alcohol sales.
It appears that the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protection of free speech won't apply Russellville's council as long as temperance-minded officials have their way. 5
CALIFORNIA
It is a violation of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Act for producers of alcohol beverages to list the names of retailers or restaurants that sell their products in advertising or even in newsletters. 6
If it’s bad for producers, it’s even worse for servers in California, where they can be convicted of selling to a minor if the purchaser uses a false or altered ID to buy the alcohol. 7
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