Here Are 5 of the Weirdest Alcohol Laws From Around the Country

Alcohol is a topic that’s frequently brought up and even disputed in the law. But like it or not, alcohol is a substance that many Americans frequently drink and enjoy. Did you know that millennials consumed approximately 36% of all wine purchased last year?

People love to drink, but the laws are still a little bit funny in some places. Here’s a list of five of the strangest alcohol laws from around the country that you won’t learn in class.

Oklahoma
If you’re selling beer in Oklahoma and its alcohol content is over 4%, the law states that it must be sold at room temperature. It’s not especially clear why the beer must be sold at room temperature, but perhaps it’s to prevent people from drinking immediately after leaving the store.

Massachusetts
Happy hour is illegal in Massachusetts. It might seem strange for a state made famous by its Sam Adams brewery in Boston, but you can’t offer to sell anyone an unlimited amount of drinks during any set period of time for a set price. The law is known by many as the Happy Hour Law.

Ohio
Ohio is all about Santa Claus unless he’s drinking. That’s right! In Ohio, it’s illegal to use Santa Claus to sell any holiday-themed alcoholic beverages. He can’t be depicted with one in his hand, so don’t even think about spiking the eggnog next Christmas.

Utah
If you’re worried about the bartender messing up your drink, don’t go to Utah. There is a law in this state that prohibits a bartender from making a drink in your line of sight. Because of this, bartenders in Utah have to work behind what is called a Zion’s curtain when crafting cocktails.

New York City
As strange as this may sound, it’s against the law to serve alcohol in NYC before noon on Sundays. So if you’re planning on a big brunch out with friends, make the reservations for noon to snag those mimosas.

These laws might be obscure, but if you want to work in the alcohol serving industry, you need to have the licenses, permits, and education to know most of them. Before you ask how to learn all of these things, remember that ABC classes are extremely important to those people serving alcohol. With an ABC permit, you’ll have all of the knowledge you need to make sure your patrons are drinking safely and legally.