Be Skeptical of 'Beneficially Coercive' New Rules for Booze
A New York Times essay helps illustrate why the surgeon general's new report on alcohol and cancer leaves out crucial context and nuance.
Drink
The Secret Committee Behind America's Prohibition Comeback
Washington bureaucrats are rewriting the rules on drinking, and a hidden panel of unelected officials could be paving the way for Prohibition 2.0.
The Government Is Choking Off Wineries
It seems anything the government touches dies—today, it’s thousands of acres of once-productive vineyards.
Utah's Straw Test Crackdown
Bureaucratic overreach is stirring up unnecessary trouble for Utah bartenders.
Will Banning Nonalcoholic Beer Save the Children?
No, but a Stanford psychologist says people under age 21 should be banned from buying some nonalcoholic drinks to protect kids from "drinking culture."
Oh God, What If Congress Bans Drinking on Airplanes?
New research and paternalistic legislators could threaten our last in-flight comfort.
The Federal Government is Literally Taxing Air
Arcane tax rules based on carbonation levels are flattening the growth of America's craft cider industry.
How Michigan Lost $1 Million of Liquor
Sadly, not by drinking it—the government just lost a fifth of the state’s inventory.
Liquor Regulators Are Seeking Revenge on Bars That Broke Pandemic Rules
"The people who violated the governor's mandates and orders should face some consequences," a Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board member said in 2022.
Virginia May Finally Fix a Dumb Drink Law
The infamous food-beverage ratio may be reformed, but not abolished.
How the Bushwacker Cocktail Migrated to Florida
The Pensacola favorite gave rise to festivals and even a federal trademark case.
A Bonus Reason Roundtable Featuring Four 'Florida Men' of Our Own
Plus: The Reason webathon is happening right now. Donate so we can make more fun podcasts like this one!
New Research Shows Alcohol Delivery Is Not to Blame for Increased Drinking
There is no demonstrable link between alcohol delivery laws and our heightened pandemic drinking.
Why Won't Maryland Sell Me a Goddamn Beer?
Maryland bars and restaurants have a tendency to turn away vertical ID holders. But there's no state law mandating this.
Oregon's Whiskey Ring Shows Perils of State Liquor Control
Top government officials reportedly kept rare bourbons for themselves and other powerful insiders.
What 2022 Taught Us About Freeing American Alcohol Markets
Reformers had two years of unprecedented victories—and then protectionists started using scare tactics to block them
The Woman Who Spearheaded Prohibition's Repeal
Pauline Sabin was a freedom-loving heroine.
States Stubbornly Slow To Fix Antiquated Alcohol Laws
In Colorado, you can have weed delivered to your door but not alcohol.
Coloradans Might Fix Their Arcane Booze Rules
On the ballot in November, Coloradans can choose to have more alcohol in grocery stores and available for delivery.
Review: The FDA's Awful Labeling Regulations Made the Baby Formula Shortage Worse
Elaborate labeling requirements blocked the importation of direly needed European baby formula.
The Volokh Conspiracy Merch You've Always Wanted
Or perhaps just a few items we thought readers might like.
California Distillers Are About To Lose the Right To Ship Booze Directly to Consumers
Breweries and wineries can still do it, though.
How COVID-19 Changed Alcohol Forever
At least 20 states will permanently allow to-go cocktails, and more may be coming.
Closing Bars and Restaurants Didn't Stop People From Gathering
Now officials in Chicago and New York are reconsidering their rules.
Sweet Reason
Sweet Reason Beverage Co.'s marketing of the CBD content is so low-key as to make the chemical feel almost incidental.
