Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ohio Legislature Wants to Raise Alcohol Content In Beer: An Economic Analysis
Posted by Kyle Swenson on Wed, Jun 1, 2011 at 3:13 PM
The latest bright idea out of Columbus (no sir, that’s not sarcasm, the irony is back in the holster on this one — this light in fact shines) is to raise the level of percent alcohol allowed in Ohio-produced beers.
Right now, Buckeye breweries can only cook up beverages that have 12 percent alcohol. But under an amendment stuck onto the two year state budget proposal introduced into the Senate this week, that ceiling might be raised to 18 percent, according to the Associated Press.
State Senate Majority Leader Jimmy Stewart says tells [sic] The Columbus Dispatch that some of the state's smaller breweries would be very excited about making some limited-time products with higher alcohol content.The newspaper reports Stewart offered the amendment after talking to the owners of a brew pub in his southeast Ohio district.
You might be wondering what exactly alcohol content has to do with state budgets and the economy? Well, a lot. You have to look over what economists call the “multiplier effects” of putting booze-high beer on the street. Let’s examine:
High alcohol beers are deceptive because they pack that increased punch in the familiar, non-threatening guise of a regular ol’ brewski. If you start putting them back like they’re Beast Ice, before you can wipe the nachos off your shirtfront, you’ll be drunk. Give it an hour or so, you’re in a cab on the way home to an early bed.
Let’s count the possible economic impacts rippling out from that scenario: The restaurant (1) made more money off those appetizers you impetuously ordered in a limp attempted to sober up. Your car is stuck somewhere, probably either on a street corner, meaning the city (2) will toss some tickets on the windshield, expanding the civic coffers, or, if you’re lucky, you’ve got it stashed in a lot, the operators (3) of which now will be taking home an overnight fee rather than the hourly rate. The taxi company (4) made cash off your service, not to mention the driver (5), because you know you always over-tip when you’ve been drinking.
The money keeps trickling the day after: High alcohol beers really can kick a hole in your head, and you’re going to need some Advil and bottled water, so a trip to CVS (7) is a necessity. As is another cab ride to get your car (8,9). If you’ve got a hangover at work, you’ll need to get some lunch (10) in you. All day long, you’re going to feel guilty about getting drunk the night before without meaning to; compunction alone will likely send you on a trip to either the gym (11), step (12) or yoga (13) class.
And after that work out, you’re probably going to be feeling good for the first time that day, so why not hit a bar for a couple more drinks (14)?
See that? 14 businesses and individuals could possibly benefit from a night of accidental drinking triggered by high alcohol beer. If this is the kind of economic impact idea the state is looking for, we’ve got tons of them. Once we find the cocktail napkin they’re written on, we’ll report back.
Speaking of...
Comments (5)
Showing 1-5 of 5
"Beast Ice" won't be 18%, way to research your article before spelling out false statements.
The percentage change allows gourmet beers to be sold in state that currently aren't. These beers cost more and don't taste well to the average boozer, that's why they are gourmet. They are to be sold and consumed in moderation.
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@Nice - You completely missed the context of that statement. Reread it and try again.
@ SquareWest, Nice is 100@ correct. High alcohol content beers cost a lot of $$$ to produce and don't taste all that well. You only need to look at Sam Adams Utopia to see what he was talking about. These are not beers that are going to be sold in six packs in gas stations all over the state. Also, the price of these will most likely rival or be more expensive than even getting several shots of high end, much higher alcohol content whiskey or other comparable liquor.
Also, why does everyone always bring up the conceal gun laws? It would be ILLEGAL for someone to drink in a bar if they have their weapon. Citizens with conceal carry permits undergo classes and are responsible adults. What people should focus on is the criminals. These people don't have permits and don't care if they have access to their guns while drinking. I wish all the fools out there would realize that law abiding people aren't the problem, it is the criminals!!!
Wow everyone.
@MikeyZ - @SquareWest was referring to the comment about Beast Ice from @nice never being 18% - they was right to tell that person they misread the statement. @SquareWest was not referring to the rest of @nice's comment about the beer percentage.
