Push in Vermont to End Ban on Happy Hours at Bars

Sadly, the arguments don't seem to be around people's rights to sell what they want or drink what they want

BURLINGTON, Vt. — Vermont officials argue ending a happy hour ban would carry with it a cost to society, but business owners, residents and scholars say that allowing discounted drinks could be a boon to business.

As part of its efforts to curb "rapid and excessive" alcohol consumption, the Vermont Department of Liquor Control forbids licensees from selling alcoholic beverages at reduced prices during certain hours.

Bill Goggins, director of enforcement at the Department of Liquor Control, told Vermont Watchdog, "It is the government's role to make sure our communities are safe."