For release: August 9, 2000
===============================
For additional information:
George Getz, Press Secretary
Phone: (202) 333-0008 Ext. 222
E-Mail: pressreleases@hq.LP.org
===============================
New Ohio state law requires five-day
waiting period for buying beer (really!)
WASHINGTON, DC -- A new law in Ohio that requires a five-day waiting period before buying beer -- yes, you read that correctly -- has Libertarians wondering: How Lowenbrau can politicians go?
"This is the worst idea since Billy Beer," said Libertarian Party press secretary George Getz. "We don't want to Harp on this, but beer-lovers everywhere will be sadder, Budweiser, when they hear that politicians in Ohio plan to treat every drinker like a criminal."
On Wednesday, August 9, a new Ohio law will require anyone buying five or more kegs of beer to fill out a form with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and then wait five days before picking up the beer.
The law, dubbed "Five in Five," also gives law enforcement the right to search the site of a beer party without first obtaining a search warrant.
Several other states -- including Iowa, New Hampshire, Kansas, and Pennsylvania -- have similar laws or are considering similar legislation, according to Fox News. And Maryland requires all kegs of beer to be registered with the state government.
Politicians said such laws are necessary because some keg parties have become violent -- but Libertarians said this kind of "Nanny State" regulation just Foster's more disrespect for the law.
"Even the most Mooseheaded politician admits these laws will have little effect, since people can just buy four kegs at a time at different locations, or buy beer by the case," said Getz.
"The kind of irresponsible people who hold out-of-control parties are the same people who will casually circumvent this law, while law-abiding, responsible people will be inconvenienced. It
shouldn't take a Pabst Blue Ribbon panel to figure that out."
The Ohio law is especially disturbing because it requires people to give up their Constitutional protections against unreasonable search, he said.
"The Fourth Amendment shouldn't be revoked simply because you want to have a wedding party, or a family reunion, or a neighborhood block party that includes kegs of beer," said Getz. "America's Founding Fathers like Sam Adams would never have stood for such a law."
Instead of targeting everyone, the police should focus just on those irresponsible drinkers who commit crimes, he said.
"If law-abiding adults are enjoying a legal beverage and behaving responsibly, they should not have to worry that police will suddenly show up and demand to search the place," said Getz. "Law-abiding people should not be treated like drunken criminals."
Ohio residents should contact their legislators and demand the repeal of this law, he said -- before it foams over to other states.
"This is a Busch-league law, and it needs to be repealed," said Getz. "This is a Molsen Golden opportunity for Ohio residents to stand up for liberty."
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Kinda reminds one of gun laws, doesn't it! Will the insanity ever end?!
===============================
For additional information:
George Getz, Press Secretary
Phone: (202) 333-0008 Ext. 222
E-Mail: pressreleases@hq.LP.org
===============================
New Ohio state law requires five-day
waiting period for buying beer (really!)
WASHINGTON, DC -- A new law in Ohio that requires a five-day waiting period before buying beer -- yes, you read that correctly -- has Libertarians wondering: How Lowenbrau can politicians go?
"This is the worst idea since Billy Beer," said Libertarian Party press secretary George Getz. "We don't want to Harp on this, but beer-lovers everywhere will be sadder, Budweiser, when they hear that politicians in Ohio plan to treat every drinker like a criminal."
On Wednesday, August 9, a new Ohio law will require anyone buying five or more kegs of beer to fill out a form with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and then wait five days before picking up the beer.
The law, dubbed "Five in Five," also gives law enforcement the right to search the site of a beer party without first obtaining a search warrant.
Several other states -- including Iowa, New Hampshire, Kansas, and Pennsylvania -- have similar laws or are considering similar legislation, according to Fox News. And Maryland requires all kegs of beer to be registered with the state government.
Politicians said such laws are necessary because some keg parties have become violent -- but Libertarians said this kind of "Nanny State" regulation just Foster's more disrespect for the law.
"Even the most Mooseheaded politician admits these laws will have little effect, since people can just buy four kegs at a time at different locations, or buy beer by the case," said Getz.
"The kind of irresponsible people who hold out-of-control parties are the same people who will casually circumvent this law, while law-abiding, responsible people will be inconvenienced. It
shouldn't take a Pabst Blue Ribbon panel to figure that out."
The Ohio law is especially disturbing because it requires people to give up their Constitutional protections against unreasonable search, he said.
"The Fourth Amendment shouldn't be revoked simply because you want to have a wedding party, or a family reunion, or a neighborhood block party that includes kegs of beer," said Getz. "America's Founding Fathers like Sam Adams would never have stood for such a law."
Instead of targeting everyone, the police should focus just on those irresponsible drinkers who commit crimes, he said.
"If law-abiding adults are enjoying a legal beverage and behaving responsibly, they should not have to worry that police will suddenly show up and demand to search the place," said Getz. "Law-abiding people should not be treated like drunken criminals."
Ohio residents should contact their legislators and demand the repeal of this law, he said -- before it foams over to other states.
"This is a Busch-league law, and it needs to be repealed," said Getz. "This is a Molsen Golden opportunity for Ohio residents to stand up for liberty."
-------------------------------------------
Kinda reminds one of gun laws, doesn't it! Will the insanity ever end?!
Surely these will be in favor among all the alcoholic gang members. These little "keg can pocket rockets" have the look, feel, and benefits of a full size keg in an easily concealable package. Gosh dammit there needs to be legislation on these things too. No alcohol dispensing devices less that 3 feet tall, 2 feet in diameter and and containing 15 gallons allowed!!!!! 
Ouch.