Hey, where can a falling-down drunken fella buy a drink? Sadly, the answer appears to be just about anywhere.
At least that’s what researchers at the University of Minnesota found when they tested the willingness of bartenders and store clerks to sell alcohol to patrons who clearly appeared to be three sheets to the wind.
Traci Toomey, an associate professor of epidemiology, hired actors to impersonate drunks and sent them to 355 liquor stores, bars and restaurants in and around Minneapolis to try to buy a drink or a six-pack of beer. Observers were present to witness the attempted transaction.
The buyers put on Oscar-worthy performances – stumbling into things, slurring their speech and showing other signs of acute inebriation. No matter. They were sold alcohol in 76 percent of the bars and 83 percent of the stores. (Minnesota, Washington and other states outlaw the sale of alcohol to people who appear drunk.)
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