No Happy Hour Here: 7 States That Ban Drink Specials

In seven out of the country’s 50 states, scoring happy hour discounts on alcoholic beverages is illegal.

In case you didn’t know, not all states are happy-go-lucky when it comes to knocking back a few after the workday. Whether it’s to limit irresponsible alcohol consumption or to reduce instances of drunk driving, lawmakers in seven states ban alcohol-serving establishments from offering certain drink specials or serving discounted booze for a specific period of the day.

These states are Alaska, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. In those states, be sure to look up the specific guidelines on how establishments are legally allowed to serve discounted drinks, if at all.

What Else Should I Know Before Attending My Next Happy Hour?

Happy hour can be for connecting with co-workers outside of the office, celebrating personal and professional milestones, catching up with friends, or even a solo date. However, the event isn’t just for those who consume alcohol. Spots in your city or next travel destination may also offer happy hour specials on appetizers and light bites.

Happy hour patrons can take advantage of the food specials as a moment to snack on good eats before dinner, or they could fill their bellies at an affordable price. Particularly for foodies, happy hour can be a great way to try new and popular restaurants without shelling out the coins for a premium entrée.

Tips for snagging a seat at popular happy hour spots include making a reservation in advance, trying your luck as a walk-in, and being prepared to sit or stand at the bar if no other options are available. Also, consider checking whether anywhere nearby offers a “late night happy hour,” which may be less busy than the ones during the end of the workday rush.

For those who plan on driving after drinking during their happy hour excursion, know that most states require those behind the wheel to have their blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.08%. Having a BAC at or above that limit could endanger your life and that of others, as well as get you in trouble with the law. It’s important to check whether the state you’re in has a varying BAC tolerance for drivers, such as Utah, where it’s 0.05%.

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