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Lifestyle

9 of the Most Outrageous Liquor Laws in the US

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Wash U chapter.

Liquor laws vary everywhere. While 21 is the drinking age in the United States, 18-year-olds can legally blackout in Mexico over spring break, and in Cambodia the drinking age is basically undefined. But in America, there are a bunch of unique liquor laws that make absolutely no sense whatsoever. Here’s a list of the 9 most random and outrageous liquor laws in the US:

1. No horsing around in Colorado

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Photo courtesy of We Heart It

Since a horse is technically considered a vehicle at a mile high, drinking while horseback riding is illegal in CO. Sorry to all the cowboys out there!

2. Sober fish in Ohio

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Photo courtesy of Fan Share

Protecting the sobriety of their fish is very important to Ohioans, so there is a law stating that it is illegal to give alcohol to fish. Don’t worry, we’re just as confused as you are.

3. No tabs in Iowa

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Photo courtesy of Wiffle Gif

Iowans will never know the joy of declaring “Put it on my tab”, since tabs are illegal at bars.

4. Chugging outlawed in Texas

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Photo courtesy of Homemade By You

According to Texas state law, you’re only allowed to take three sips of beer while standing. Bizarre? Yes. Inconvenient for your game of flip cup? Absolutely.

5. Warm beer in Oklahoma

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Photo courtesy of Beer Street Journal

The citizens of Oklahoma will never know the joy of a perfectly chilled beer, since any beer that’s over 4% alcohol must be sold at room temperature. Might as well just switch to whiskey.

6. Only full-priced alcohol in North Dakota

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Photo courtesy of Glee Wikia

Extreme couponers do not belong in this state, since absolutely no coupons are allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages.

7. You need faith in your bartender in Utah

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Photo courtesy of The New York Times

At all bars in Utah you’ll find a “Zion curtain” circling part of the bar. This curtain is required so that “impressionable youth” don’t see bartenders pouring beer or mixing drinks. Hopefully that bartender is as trustworthy as they seem…

8. Kids can drink in Alaska

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Photo courtesy of Hand Bill

Although the drinking age is still 21 in restaurants and bars, minors in Alaska are allowed to drink as long as “a parent or legal guardian” gives them the alcohol. So, it’s technically legal to raid your parent’s liquor cabinet!

9. Happiness is dead in Massachusetts

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Photo courtesy of Emotion Gifs

Massachusetts: the state where happy hour went to die. Can you imagine a life of full priced drinks from 5-7 pm?

Can’t say we didn’t warn you. Make sure to get acquainted with your state’s liquor laws before you accidentally break one of them.