States with Illegal Happy Hour: What You Need to Know

Many Americans have a long-standing practice known as “happy hour,” during which time bars and restaurants offer cheap drinks and food discounts. Due to varying rules and legislation, happy hour is not permitted in all states.

This post will go over the states that have illegal happy hours and what you need to know if you want to partake in a few drinks on your next outing.

What is Happy Hour?

Happy hour is a period of time when bars and restaurants offer discounted drinks and food specials to attract customers during slower hours.

It typically occurs in the late afternoon or early evening, usually between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Some establishments may also offer late-night happy hours, which start after 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.

Why Are Some States Against Happy Hour?

The reasons for banning happy hour vary from state to state. Some states believe that happy hour encourages excessive drinking and leads to drunk driving, while others feel that it creates an unfair advantage for larger establishments over smaller ones.

Some states also believe that happy hour promotes a culture of binge drinking and unhealthy drinking habits.

States with Illegal Happy Hour

The following states have banned happy hour in some form:

1. Alaska

Alaska has banned happy hour since 1985. The state believes that happy hour leads to excessive drinking and contributes to alcohol-related accidents and deaths.

2. Indiana

Happy hour is illegal in Indiana, but establishments are allowed to offer drink specials between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and after 9 p.m.

3. Massachusetts

Massachusetts banned happy hour in 1984 after a woman was killed by a drunk driver leaving a bar during happy hour. The state believes that happy hour encourages excessive drinking and leads to drunk driving.

4. North Carolina

North Carolina banned happy hour in 1985. The state believes that happy hour promotes unhealthy drinking habits and leads to alcohol-related accidents and deaths.

5. Oklahoma

Happy hour is illegal in Oklahoma, but establishments are allowed to offer drink specials between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and after 11 p.m.

6. Rhode Island

Rhode Island banned happy hour in 1989. The state believes that happy hour encourages excessive drinking and leads to drunk driving.

7. Utah

Utah has some of the strictest alcohol laws in the country, and happy hour is no exception. The state prohibits all drink specials, including happy hour.

8. Vermont

Happy hour is illegal in Vermont, but establishments are allowed to offer drink specials during designated times, such as “Wine Wednesdays” or “Thirsty Thursdays.

9. Washington

Washington banned happy hour in 1989. The state believes that happy hour encourages excessive drinking and leads to drunk driving.

What Are the Consequences of Breaking Happy Hour Laws?

If an establishment is caught breaking happy hour laws, they could face fines or even lose their liquor license.

Customers who are caught participating in illegal happy hour could also face fines or other legal consequences.

What Can You Do Instead of Happy Hour?

If you live in a state with illegal happy hour, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy discounted drinks and food specials.

Many establishments offer daily specials, such as “Taco Tuesdays” or “Wine Wednesdays,” that can provide similar discounts. You can also check out local events or festivals, which often have drink and food specials.

FAQ

Is happy hour illegal in all states?

No, happy hour is legal in many states. However, some states have banned happy hour or have strict regulations on drink specials.

Why do some states ban happy hour?

Some states believe that happy hour encourages excessive drinking and leads to drunk driving. Others feel that it creates an unfair advantage for larger establishments over smaller ones.

What are the consequences of breaking happy hour laws?

Establishments that break happy hour laws could face fines or lose their liquor license. Customers who participate in illegal happy hour could also face fines or other legal consequences.

What can you do instead of happy hour?

If you live in a state with illegal happy hour, you can still enjoy discounted drinks and food specials by checking out daily specials or local events and festivals.