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?
