So many items in gift stores about wine and drinking and happy hour. And the greeting cards. It does seem to be "celebrated" too much.

I think all Americans must wear diapers and lip balm. I mean, just look at all the CVS stores popping up everywhere!

MaxwellSmart wrote:What is it with all of these wineries, micro breweries, tap houses, distilleries and the sort taking over everywhere you turn? I'm not for abolition and I'm not a prude, but with all of these popping up everywhere, it's starting to look like people drink more than they work!

The most popular form of alcohol in the USA used to be mass market beers - Bud, Miller, Coors, Bud Lite, Miller Lite, etc.

They have been losing market share for years - to wine (and recently to spirits) and to craft beers (and to Mexican imports). They have been losing at the liquor store, and also in bars - you may see more micro breweries, etc, but fewer old school bars, and probably less Bud Lite, etc, sold at restaurants. (though of course in growing areas, you will not see the declines so much)

I mean just because there are more artisinal bakeries, do you think people are eating more bread?

It really annoys me when people equate high alcohol consumption with alcoholism — having known people in both camps, you can be a heavy drinker without being an alcoholic.

So, no. Most Americans are not alcoholics.

Anonymous wrote:U.S. alcohol consumption has been going up over the last 15 years or so, but it's still lower than in the 1970's and 80's:

https://vinepair.com/articles/americas-consumption-beer-wine-spirits-since/

Yeah turns out there are also more people in America ( and that’s excluding legal and illegal immigrants ) than 15 yrs ago.

Dive bars have always been insanely popular. Now people with money want nicer places to drink. I do not believe there is an increase in drinking. My grandfather talks about he and his friends began drinking at age 12. Women used to drink during pregnancy. People used to drink at the office. Etc Etc

are most people in Europe alcoholics? they have more wineries and breweries than the US - by far!

U.S. alcohol consumption has been going up over the last 15 years or so, but it's still lower than in the 1970's and 80's:

https://vinepair.com/articles/americas-consumption-beer-wine-spirits-since/

Just worry about yourself, Nancy!

Most of these places are just restaurants jumping on a trend. Nothing new or different really.

Um. No.

Extrapolate much? Going to a winery doesn't make you an alcoholic

Do you mean now instead of before? People have always drunk in this country. Some of them are alcoholics, some aren't.

What is it with all of these wineries, micro breweries, tap houses, distilleries and the sort taking over everywhere you turn? I'm not for abolition and I'm not a prude, but with all of these popping up everywhere, it's starting to look like people drink more than they work!