We’ve probably all heard of some bizarre law that, for some reason, hasn’t been officially overturned... and when it comes to drinking, it’s no exception! These laws are still technically active and it’s very likely that you’ll have broken this first one – you criminal!
UK - It is illegal to be drunk in a pub!
First up, we have the UK's 1872 Licensing Act, which makes it illegal to be drunk in a pub. Yes, you read that right - it's illegal to be drunk in the place where so many go to do exactly that. The technicality here is that it’s actually illegal to be drunk anywhere, thereby including the pub. The law was meant to encourage moderate drinking, but it’s safe to say in terms of enforcement these days, you’re only really in trouble for ‘drunk and disorderly’ behaviour. And let's be honest, if police were actually arresting drunk people in the pub, most of us would be in trouble!
UK & US - Being drunk in charge of livestock
Diving deeper into the UK 1872 Licensing Act and we found more weird laws! Before you even think about saddling up or herding your livestock into the pen, you better be sober as a judge. This law states that anyone who is drunk while in charge of a carriage, horse, cattle, or steam engine or loaded firearm, shall be liable! To be fair, on the whole, this seems pretty sensible but just know that if someone in your drunk group heads off to their farm whilst everyone else gets a kebab (you never know - it could happen), they might end up breaking the law!
Across the pond in the US, the state of Colorado takes animal riding laws just as seriously. Drinking while on horseback is a big no-no in the state, and anyone caught violating this law could be slapped with a fine or even some jail time!
Bolivia – Married women can only drink one glass of wine at bars!
Next, we have Bolivia's law that prohibits married women from having more than one glass of wine in a restaurant or bar. Apparently, if a woman enjoys more than one glass of wine, she's at risk of becoming too flirtatious! As you’ll see in some of the other laws, the extent to which this sexist law is actually enforced is highly questionable. Any anniversary dinner where the husband reminds their wife of the law after only one glass of wine might just be their last!
Canada - Bartenders can’t infuse their own alcohol!
This is a strange one but yes, in Canada the bartenders can't infuse their own alcohol unless a customer has very specifically requested it, which is surely a loophole often made the most of. Nonetheless, for those taking the law literally, this one's a real buzzkill for all the creative mixologists out there. It massively limits the innovation of signature drinks and Canada's probably missing out on some seriously delicious drinks because of it!
Scotland – You can be fined two beers if you have underwear beneath your kilt!
As a mix of civil and common law, Scottish law is known for being an unusual blend of traditions and old principles throwing up some unusual rules in the process. Famously, the tradition with the iconic kilt is no underwear and if you’re found to be wearing any, you have to buy the person who discovered it two beers. But if someone’s sneaking a peak under your kilt, would you really want to go for a pint with them straight after?!
Germany - Bicycling while drunk
Drunk cycling is taken extremely seriously in Germany, so much so that the authorities can now seize your driver’s license and even order the offender to undergo a medical and psychological evaluation! If you haven’t sobered up by the end of that then you really shouldn’t have been anywhere near the bike in the first place!
Hawaii – No ordering more than one drink at a time!
In the UK, if someone doesn’t get their round in, they might be seen as a bit stingy. But in Hawaii, they would have good reason because they might just end up in a cell! You can only order one drink for yourself, and it can’t be drunk on the beach either. Having done our research, it looks like this may be in the process of being abolished so if anyone is still using it as an excuse for not getting the drinks in on your Hawaiian holiday, catch them out.
Australia – You cannot crush a beer can with your breasts!
Yep, it is illegal to crush beer cans with your breasts. In fact, five years ago a 31 year old barmaid working at a hotel near Perth found herself in court and being fined $1000 for doing just that! So if this is your party trick, then you’re going to have to find something else to impress with if you’re heading Down Under!
El Salvador – Death sentence for DUI?
Finally, in El Salvador, it’s possible to be sentenced to death for a first offense of driving drunk. Although drunk driving is a serious crime, and an extremely silly decision, does a firing squad need to be involved? It seems a little extreme, no?
Many of these aren’t enforced of course, but as you can see some of them very much are and if it’s enshrined in the law, then it’s better to be safe than sorry! So, just remember that if you’re a little tipsy in Colorado then leave the horses alone, if you’re trying to impress friends at an Australian party just learn The Rubik’s Cube and if you’re wearing a kilt, fully commit to it!