Why is Massachusetts Waging War on Your Brewdogs?

            As the Bruins hoisted the Stanley Cup in Vancouver, many of the bars which have benefited from a long playoff run were shuttered or forced to turn away patrons after a certain point. A planned viewing party to be held at TD Banknorth Garden was cancelled as the city insisted on limiting alcohol sales at the venue. These draconian measures would be extraordinary in most cities, but in Massachusetts, and more specifically Boston, it’s business as usual.

            Just weeks ago as the Red Sox planned to sell liquor at five concession stands around Fenway, there was a massive outcry and the allocation a liquor license for these venues was put momentarily in doubt. The newspapers were filled with horror stories from supposed victims of alcohol, all largely ignoring the fact that those affected simply couldn’t control themselves.

            This state which prides itself on being progressive and enlightened is decidedly prudish and downright puritan when it comes to booze. Bars are to be shuttered at 2am, liquor sales stop altogether at 11pm and bar owners are burdened by some of the most overbearing dram shop laws in the nation. Last year, as the state sought yet more revenue, the easy answer was to slap a tax on your six pack of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Any attempt to protest was shouted down by the MADD set and nanny state democrats.

            What is this state and this city’s problem with alcohol? Why is your Coors Light as vile to Tom Menino as your pack of Marlboros?

            Understandably, it’s hard to advocate for a relaxation of the state’s liquor laws. After all, alcohols effects on people’s judgment and inhibitions are well documented. However, that’s no excuse for restricting the actions of the rest of us. It was beyond frustrating when my significant other and I, both working at restaurants at the time, could not simply grab a bottle of wine and retire home if we got out of work at 11:01 pm. It’s also frustrating that liquor sales are restricted to package stores and restaurants. Why must I make two trips to grab my milk and Heineken?

            The common response is that it discourages underage drinking as package stores who deal solely in liquor sales will use greater discretion in permitting the purchase of alcohol and that more restrictive liquor laws will lower the drunk driving rate. Both claims however, hold little water. As someone who attended college here in Boston, I can say with conviction that these laws have no effect on underage drinking. I remember frequenting quite a few establishments in the downtown area at the age of nineteen and we knew precisely which package stores never asked for ID. Similarly, this state’s laws have not had a noticeable effect on drunk driving rates. True, the number of arrests for DUI in Massachusetts has dropped from a high of 15,000 in 1996 to an average of roughly 11,000 the last few years, but this is mirrored by a drop in such arrests around the nation and probably owed more to more aggressive highway policing rather than restrictive liquor laws. South Carolina for example, where the liquor laws are far less restrictive, averages similar or in some years far lower rates of arrest than Massachusetts.

            Relaxing the liquor laws and pulling back on the enforcement of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission would most likely have a positive impact rather than all heel breaking loose. Convenience stores and supermarkets would probably benefit from the ability to purvey beer and liquor. A later closing hour means more money for bar owners and restaurants hurting from a drop in tourism. Cab drivers would benefit from a larger amount of people on the streets after 2am. Similarly, allowing happy hours would potentially provide a much needed shot in the arm for these establishments. Package stores, though ostensibly hurt by competition from convenience stores and supermarkets, can potentially make up the difference by not being forced to close at 11pm. And in terms those on Beacon Hill can understand, a greater amount of liquor sales will mean an increase in tax revenue.

            Simply put, it wouldn’t hurt for the state and the city to lighten up and have a drink, or at the very least allow the rest of us to enjoy one.