Change Mississippi's absurd alcohol law!

Hattiesburg American: We should change absurd alcohol law

December 5, a day celebrated by imbibers all across America for its historical significance as the official repeal of that horrible failure of a social experiment called Prohibition, will hold special significance this year.
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This year marks the 75th anniversary of Repeal Day. While it may be tempting to shrug this day off as just an excuse to lift a toast it should also remind us of how fragile our freedoms are, even here in the United States.

Although Prohibition was a monumental failure in every way - most historians agree alcohol consumption actually rose - there still exist various groups who expressly or implicitly advocate a return to Prohibition.

The tactics haven't changed in the decades since, the language of the "New Drys" still parrots their failed predecessors with the tired old "It's for the children!" refrains so popular with those wishing to control the actions of their neighbors when reasonable debate fails.

In Mississippi it's still illegal to purchase any beer that happens to have more than 5 percent alcohol by weight, although wines and spirits with much higher alcohol percentages are easily available, usually for much less expense.

While efforts are under way to change this absurd law, the battle is uphill. Hopefully the Mississippi Legislature will act this year to help move us into the 21st century and change this law like 47 other states have already done.

Seventy-five years is enough. It's time to give Mississippians more choice, business more options, and (not least of all) the state more revenue without raising taxes by allowing these world-class gourmet products to Mississippians.

Butch Bailey

Hattiesburg