Happy Hour Returning to Massachusetts? An Open Letter to 3 New England States That Outlaw It

Did you know that happy hour is outlawed in three New England states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont?

The reason I am bringing this to your attention is because that is so stupid.

Yeah. I said it. It's a dumb law.

Let me start by saying that I understand why. Happy hour leads to more drinks. When you get half-off beers or two for the price of one, more drinks are inevitably consumed.

And more drinks leads to a higher number of drunk drivers. I understand the threat, but isn't that up to US, the people? We live in a country where WE make decisions and have to live with the consequences.

When you go to New Orleans, the happy hour deals are WILD. Like, three drinks for the price of one. That does NOT need to be the case in other states. Bars can offer discount beers rather than more drinks for the same price.

I think the states that regulate happy hour (or really just the ones that outlaw it) are overbearing, and do more harm than good.

From the company's perspective, it is unfair to regulate what they can/cannot do to get more business. Not to sound like a complainer, but it is not fair, and I feel bad for the business owners.

If they want to offer $2 off beers to approach a happy hour business model, that should be their choice. And more importantly, that is their prerogative as business owners.

Just because a state allows happy hour does not mean all restaurants have to do it. But the state should not take away that option. That should be up to the bar, restaurant, or company.

It is wild to me that the state government can take away discounts that other states offer.

In a time where groceries and all other necessities are inflated up the wazoo, give the people a damn break. If that means $2 off beer between 4-6 pm on a Wednesday, so be it.

Give the people a damn break!

This is all timely as "lawmakers (in Massachusetts) could vote on a new amendment letting bars offer discounts on alcoholic drinks before 10 p.m," according to a Boston 25 News article. "The amendment is part of a 2.8 billion dollar economic bill filed by Senator Julian Cyr, who represents the Cape and Islands."

Bottom line? Let companies make the call. It is not fair to business owners to take away an opportunity to bring in more business.

Let people be responsible for themselves. If they have too many and get pulled over, that is on them. They should be held responsible.