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As a Canadian I laughed at "steep taxes" when I go to the US alcohol is ridiculously cheap and sometimes given out free (e.g. casinos). Especially hard liquor

• jlgreco 14y ago
  Probably worth noting that prices and regulations vary wildly on a state-by-state basis. In Pennsylvania all liquor and wine can only be purchased from state stores, and beer can only be purchased from licensed beer distributors (never grocery stores or the like, with very rare 'technicality' exceptions). (Restaurants and bars also sell beer, so in practice most people who buy beer in Pennsylvania will buy a six-pack from the local bar or restaurant, often at rather steep prices). In Utah, chances are you won't be able to buy that same $15 six-pack of beer; alcohol content is limited to 3.2 ABV (very low, for those not versed) unless the establishment is also licensed to sell liquor. Then you get into the whole local government regulations/taxes situation. There are hundreds of "dry counties" in the US where you simply cannot buy alcohol at all. "Blue Laws" seem to be more common than not, even in cities. It's a complex situation. In some places in the US alcohol will flow like water (Such as Vegas, as you eluded to), but in other places alcohol laws will make Canada appear liberal in that respect.
  • dhughes 14y ago
    Funny that you said Pennsylvania that's where I was and where I was thinking about when writing about cheap US booze. I'm so used to government run liquor outlets I never even thought about it not being a private store.