There it is people. I think I was still technically in Utah airspace when Delta airlines served me my first real beer in a week, even if it was lukewarm. I spent this week in Salt Lake City, a very pretty town right at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, but not a place known for good cocktails or even decent beer. In fact, I actually felt like I had left the United States and entered an Islamic republic of some sort given the draconian liquor laws imposed by the state of Utah. I understand that certain religious groups in Utah are teetotalers (although I find that strange as Jesus drank wine), and that there are a signifigant number of people opposed to the consumption of alcohol in the state. However, aren't we as Americans supposed to stand up for the little guy? Sure, you can get a drink in the state of Utah, but their laws are so strict that you wouldn't want to. First, you either have to go to a restaurant for a meal OR you can join a private club (I paid $6 for a 3 week membership). Then, the state of Utah dictates that beer must be 3.2% (watery) or hard drinks can contain no more than 1 oz of booze. They may have some way of getting over the 1oz rule with some liqueurs being labeled "flavoring", but the gin and tonics and the rum and cokes I saw being poured in Utah were a 1 oz shot measured by a Berg System. Oh yeah, by the way, the great closed minds in Utah require every establishment in the state to use a Berg system or similar (for those unfamiliar with a Berg System, its a pourspout and control method that only allows a 1 oz pour), AND the state makes every establishment maintain books accounting for every ounce of liquor in the house. Failure to maintain accurate enough records results in a big fine for the bartender and a suspension of the liquor license for the establishment. Apparently, it is illegal to free pour or give any alcohol away in the state of Utah. I guess it could be worse, after all, I could have had to live through prohibition. I understand why society regulates alcohol, even if I do think that as Americans, we have some Puritanical instincts that we haven't fully worked through. Utah's laws and regulations however, interfere with my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and why? To kowtow to a religious majority? I thought that was the very thing that the United States stood for. Freedom from the oppression of a state religion. I'm just disgusted that in 2008, I can't get a decent drink in the state of Utah.
My best advice? Pack a fifth in your luggage like I did. I packed a bottle of Tanqueray gin, and, while tonic seems scarce in Utah (I should have packed that too), I made do with some Sierra Mist or some such nonsense. At least in my hotel room the drinks were more than an ounce, although I probably broke some other Utah liquor law by admitting this.
It sure feels nice to sit here in Oregon, land of the free and home of the craft distilling movement, drinking a cold Bridgeport Blue Heron Pale Ale and putting the last week behind me. Its good to be home.
9 comments:
So I guess that you equate Mormons with Muslims you must have seen Mormon suicide bombers?
You must have seen Mormon terrorists kidnapped innocent people right in front of you and executed them?
Or maybe you witnessed a Mormon group beheading some innocent person?
Or you saw some girl beaten by a Mormon leader because her wrist was exposed?
What an idiot you have proved yourself to be in this post. To equate Mormons with Muslims - unreal.
Wow, I'm going to leave this comment up. I'd advise anyone wanting more information to check justadog's blog. I'm not really in a position to respond to this without chuckling, but I'll try. I equated Utahans (not just LDS people) to Muslims because of the restrictive alcohol laws. Perhaps the real mistake I made was comparing Muslims with Mormons though? You are the one making sweeping generalizations about an entire religion, while I was making a joke about the liquor laws in Utah. I might just suggest that you get some help with some of your anger issues though. Or not. I don't really care.
ps- Why is it always the complete idiots that use eagles or flags as their avatars?
Utah's laws are idiotic, but not insurmountable. As for the 3.2 beer myth, i understand that it's really about the same as beer anywhere -- one measurement is "by volume" and utah's is "by weight." for instance, our Guinness Stout is the same as anywhere. I couldn't begin to explain it, but you're a barkeep, so you could probably check into it.
And utah's got some not half bad micro-brews. Polygamy Porter -- "you can't have just one."
sorry u had a bad time, drinking is an challenge in Utah, but it makes it taste that much better.
Hey thanks for the comment. I actually tried some local Utah beers and was actually quite happy with them, including the Polygamy Porter. I am actually planning a post soon on the brewing scene in Utah, in spite of the tough liquor laws.
By the way, Utah is a gorgeous state, I can't wait to explore more of it. And the residents of the state were nothing but generous and friendly while I was there. While I may take issue with the State of Utah's liquor laws, I have no issues with the citizens (LDS or not) or beauty of this fine state. My initial reservations about travelling to Utah were completely wrong. I loved my time there, I just would have enjoyed it more with a (decent) cocktail in my hand.
I'm pretty sure 3.2 % by weight is 4.0 % by volume. In Minnesota, grocery stores and gas stations can only sell 3.2% ABW beer (without a liquor license I presume). Otherwise you have to go to a liquor store to buy "regular" beer.
Well, i guess that people equate Mormons having Muslims you'll want found Mormon suicide bombers?
You'll want seen Mormon terrorists kidnapped harmless folks in front side individuals along with performed these folks?
Or you experienced your Mormon class beheading a few not guilty person?
Or maybe you discovered a few gal survived with a Mormon boss due to the fact her wrist had been exposed?
What an moron you've got turned out to be you to ultimately have this particular post. In order to equate Mormons together with Muslims ( blank ) unreal.
Cheap Runescape Gold
Runescape Gold
It all looks so great!RS Gold
Just after you've got decided the supply to buy your glasses, you need to select the kind of frames. Which ones do you favor? Plastic or metal? This really is really an essential step because the frame kind helps you to narrow down your option of colors. Distinctive colors suit distinctive men and women. Also, when you happen to be shopping for rimless Gucci sunglasses, go for the oversized pairs instead of the traditional frames. tissot ladies watch
tissot women watches
tissot for women
tissot women watch
tissot watches women
tissot watches men
Hi there thanksBuy Diablo 3 gold for the comment. I personally experimented with many nearby Utah drinks and also was proud of these individuals, such as the Polygamy Porter. I am in fact organising a article rapidly on the producingBillig Gw2 Goldlandscape throughout Utah, regardless of the cruel alcohol laws.
Post a Comment