by Adai Goldberg

Created on: September 23, 2011

Did you know that in Ohio, it is illegal to give beer to a fish? Sounds strange doesn’t it? But I am sure there is a reason behind this strange law, as well  many others around the world. Yet, the knowledge of their existence will send you so far into a mental spin that you won't want to think about how they came to be. Strange drinking laws exist in every corner of the globe.

United States

In Rehoboth beach, ”Alcohol may not be served in nightclubs if dancing is occurring on the premises at the same time".That’ll teach those brave souls who only attempt to do the running man after five Tequila shots! Well, I guess that isn’t half as bad as in Utah where, “alcohol may not be sold during an emergency,” Not as if anyone would really stop to grab a beer, during a natural disaster. but I guess it’s a good precaution to deter  those who stop for a Margarita, while a tornado is on their heels! This will keep them safe.

Scotland

According to a law in Scotland, "any Scotsman found to be wearing underwear beneath his kilt, can be fined two cans of beer". Interesting law, but what’s more interesting is trying to figure out who and why someone would be looking under there in the first place! Do the bobbies come equipped with mirrored shoes? Or, do they employ shameless old ladies to walk around pulling up kilts and taking a look-see?It’s all rather disturbing, to say the least.

Saudi Arabia

None of us should be surprised by any type of intolerant laws concerning alcohol in Saudi Arabia, after all it is a Muslim country. But, “it is against the law to possess any type of alcoholic beverage ”Open up a wine cooler-Death! I’m just kidding, they probably don’t sentence you to death. But the prison conditions in Saudi, may certainly make an offender wish for it.

 Ireland

“In Trinity college, students may demand a glass of wine anytime during an exam, provided they are wearing their sword.” Ok, well, who would say no to some frustrated college kid with a sword, who probably pulled an “all nighter?”

Alaska

Last but not least, I’m going to switch back to the good ol' US of A ; because after all, our protestant heritage makes for a strange pool of laws. In Alaska, “is considered an offense to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose.” Now, wouldn’t you have liked to have been a fly on the wall, when this passed in the legislature? Who would really give ripple to a moose?

These are just a few of the strange and unusual laws around the world concerning alcohol. I’m sure they all have some sort of underlying story leading to their passage. Many have been repealed but others still remain in place and surprisingly enforced- depending on where you go. Nonetheless, they will always remain top of the heap at things that make you go “hmmm?”

Sources

Stupid Laws, Stupid Politicians. Stupid Voters. Stupid Laws. Retrieved from http://www.stupidlaws.com/tag/alcohol

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