I thought I would post a comment about something in the January LVA. It mentioned that Nevada was the 4th drunkest state (based on per capita consumption). I found it interesting that New Hampshire was the drunkest state. In my mind this is a classic case of how statistics can skew reality, since I doubt that people in New Hampshire are consuming alcohol at the highest per capita rate in the nation.
So how does this happen? (the following is based on my experience, which is a few years ago, not on any compiled statistics). New Hampshire has some of the lowest prices for alcohol in the USA. Just off the exit ramp of I-95, as it passes through the pot belly, 20 miles of NH, is a huge liquor store. When I used to pass that way (coming from Maine) I would always stop and stock up. The store reminds me of a big super-market with crowds of people pushing shopping carts into the store. People from Massachusetts and Maine and tourists must spend huge amounts of money in that store alone each year.
Therefore, since New Hampshire has one of the lowest populations in the country (ranked, approx. 41st), I would bet that the liquor purchased by out-of-staters has played a huge part in keeping them #1 per capita.
Of course, Nevada also has many tourists, but they aren’t, usually, stopping to fill their car trunks with bottles of booze; they are doing most of their consuming by the drink. I am sure that the tourism industry has helped Nevada to keep its high ranking, but I think New Hampshire has been raised well above its “earned” ranking.
Any Noreasteners out there with comment on this?
Ned in NYC
So how does this happen? (the following is based on my experience, which is a few years ago, not on any compiled statistics). New Hampshire has some of the lowest prices for alcohol in the USA. Just off the exit ramp of I-95, as it passes through the pot belly, 20 miles of NH, is a huge liquor store. When I used to pass that way (coming from Maine) I would always stop and stock up. The store reminds me of a big super-market with crowds of people pushing shopping carts into the store. People from Massachusetts and Maine and tourists must spend huge amounts of money in that store alone each year.
Therefore, since New Hampshire has one of the lowest populations in the country (ranked, approx. 41st), I would bet that the liquor purchased by out-of-staters has played a huge part in keeping them #1 per capita.
Of course, Nevada also has many tourists, but they aren’t, usually, stopping to fill their car trunks with bottles of booze; they are doing most of their consuming by the drink. I am sure that the tourism industry has helped Nevada to keep its high ranking, but I think New Hampshire has been raised well above its “earned” ranking.
Any Noreasteners out there with comment on this?
Ned in NYC
