A bill to lift Vermont’s prohibition on happy hour received a spirited response from legislators Tuesday.
The oft-debated idea of allowing restaurants, bars and breweries to sell discounted booze for up to two hours a day had some legislators downright tipsy with anticipation.
“How about a field trip to test it?” quipped Rep. John Killacky (D-South Burlington), a member of the House Committee on General, Housing and Military Affairs, which heard the bill pitched for the first time this session.
“I’ve lived in three states and this is the only one that doesn’t have a happy hour,” Rep. Marianna Gamache (R-Swanton) said wistfully. “I think it’s a good idea.”
Committee chair Tom Stevens (D-Waterbury) had a more sober response, reminding his fellow legislators that if the committee seriously considers the bill its members will undoubtedly hear from residents of Burlington — which has three colleges — concerned about young people overindulging.
Stevens noted there are already some “workarounds” of the law, including “appy hour,” for which appetizers are discounted to draw in hungry patrons. Specific beverages can also be discounted all day, which is why Positive Pie in Montpelier sells Heady Topper for $5 on Tuesdays, he noted.
That prompted Rep. Matt Birong (D-Vergennes) to fondly recall how Three Needs Taproom and Brewery in Burlington used this loophole during its “Duff Hour” specials.
“They would tap a keg of Saranac for $2 a pop, until the keg runs out, starting when the Simpsons started at 4:30 p.m.,” Birong said.
Rep. Matthew Trieber (D-Rockingham) said he sponsored the bill in recognition of the tourist trade connected to the state’s unique craft brewers and distillers.
“We thought this may be a way to help some of our restaurants and bar owners capitalize on that a little bit, and allow some of the local breweries to be tried out at a cheaper price,” Trieber said.
The legislator added that 42 other states in the nation allow happy hours, though he noted Massachusetts does not. He expressed openness to limiting the hours or types of drinks allowed to be sold at reduced prices if the committee had concerns. “Anything is better than nothing,” Trieber said.
Stevens said it’s not clear if his committee “has enough juice” to take on the issue this session, but if it did, “It’ll be a lively conversation, especially if we start at 5 p.m.”
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Three Needs still offers Duff Hour. It starts at 4:00 and lasts until the keg – usually a Magic Hat – kicks and is only a buck a pint.
This is all well and good, but shouldnt legislators be dealing with more pressing matters in our state, such as jobs, crumbling infrastructure, taxe relief, etc.? I remember 5cent drafts at Hannibals in Burlington when I went to UVM in the 70s, but that wasnt necessarily a good thing. Some individuals will always ruin things for other people. If happy hour were to be reinstated, there would be problems with people getting out of control. Some places still serve pitchers, I believe, but not sure if that happens in Mass. anymore. That state has more rules and regs than Vermont, if that is even possible, or they are about the same, in that regard.
Oh no people might drink?
We should probably ban alcohol again. That went great last time we tried it.
Colorado DOT https://www.denverpost.com/2018/08/09
Before celebrating happy hour, would it be possible to have a law in place which would accurately be able test for substance use.
Colorado DOT is working on 5 nanograms, breathalyzer do not show THC, DNA testing can be refused and sometimes will show false positive results. They have also seen a rise in the number of mva’s since legalization and have stricter DUI laws.
The legislators just want a reason to go party, a lot of them drink and drive anyway
This committee should pack up and go home. A small step for mankind and a big step towards making VT more affordable.
“This committee should pack up and go home. A small step for mankind and a big step towards making VT more affordable.”
Make that the entire legislature. They are absolutely OBSESSED with regulating, restricting, and obliterating anything that moves, especially any economic activity whatsoever. Their job isn’t finished until ALL business activity has been killed off and there is no one under 65 living in Vermont.
Nickel Beers at Hannibuls oh yeah and our good friend Dubie the bartender. RIP Dubie along with George Bodette and George Gloat.