Issue date: 2/6/08 Section: Opinion

I can only describe living in Utah as incredibly entertaining, especially in the time leading up to and during legislative sessions. Every year, there is some piece of legislation that makes me a little embarrassed to be born and raised in Utah. I was beginning to think that this year would be exempt from such things. I was wrong.

While perusing the local news last week, I came across one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard.

ABC 4 News reported on a discussion in the Republican Caucus of proposing a law banning the sale of cold beer in grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stations. The bill would be an effort to get people to drink less beer or not drink at all.

I'm a little bugged that these people are making the big bucks on Capitol Hill to come up with these bone-headed ideas. Why would they think that this bill would prevent people from buying or drinking beer or drinking as much, and who are they trying to "protect" with legislation like this?

Perhaps the lawmakers are just so concerned with my well-being that they want to protect me from myself and the cold beer that I can get my hands on (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 1 a.m., of course).

Well, as much as I appreciate it, I am positive I can regulate my consumption of refreshing beverages on my own.

Besides the fact that people older than 21 can and should be able to buy cold beer (in Utah and otherwise), they might not want to put this legislation through for an entirely different reason.

When speaking with U alumni and students, I found out that there is a good reason to have warm beer -- drinking games. Yes, when playing for speed and volume, warm beer is ideal because you can chug warm beer faster than cold beer. Normally, when playing, you have to wait for your beer to warm up.

That seems like the exact opposite of the desired result, doesn't it?

I feel as though the people this bill is most trying to slow are the people who aren't going to mind buying warm beer, I think binge drinkers will be the last to notice or care. It is the responsible adults, looking to pick up cold beer on their way home, who will notice and be irritated that they have to go home and wait for their beer to chill.

We will just have to wait and see what the Republican Caucus decides after further research. Best case: This is the last you hear of this piece of legislation. Worst case: You at least have to admit it is mildly entertaining.


letters@chronicle.utah.edu

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools