1. Tia DeHaan!
Racquet Article: Fueled By Booze!
Week of: February 24, 2015!
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! ! ! ! ! Fueled by Booze?!
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! Around about the time I began to understand that I lived in the midwestern Packer-
loving, cheese-making, corn field-occupied state of Wisconsin, I realized that alcohol was an
important and popular piece of our culture. As a child, I would take note of the times in which my
dad cracked open a Bud Light, or my mom sipped on a glass of wine. Now, as an adult, I realize
the prominence of alcohol and its effects worldwide. A bill has recently been passed in the state
of Wisconsin to allow the sampling of half a fluid ounce, or a tablespoon, of alcohol in stores.
There was some concern as to the message a bill like this sends regarding the encouragement
of drinking, especially binge-drinking, in a state so well known for it’s consumption of alcohol
(and more bars per capita than grocery stores). This week I asked University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse students how they felt about the drinking culture in Wisconsin whether or not a bill of this
nature could serve as encouragement. !
! “I do think Wisconsin has more of a drinking culture than other states, and that’s a big
perception of what Wisconsin is. I don’t necessarily think [the new bill] encourages it, I mean
that’s a small amount, but there is a culture of drinking.” Freshman Marie Mangold explained. !
! I then talked with junior Jacob Salaba, who explained his views. “I would say there is an
issue with the drinking culture [in Wisconsin]. I’ve heard that sometimes in out-of-state drinking
contests they won’t even allow people from Wisconsin to participate, because they have such
an advantage. So I would say, the new bill does promote drinking, and does not help solve the
problem.” I was not aware that Wisconsinites could be automatically disqualified from a drinking
match, however if there is truth to that statement, it certainly illustrates the perception of our
beloved state from it’s neighboring provinces. !
! “Based on just my family, Wisconsin does have more of a drinking culture, being from
Minnesota and comparing [the two states]. I think college campuses have a big drinking culture
in general, but I think that tasting liquor [in the store] doesn’t influence that. I would think of what
you are tasting as more of wine tasting, I mean you don’t sample Fleischmann’s.” Junior Luke
Bjorklund joked. !
! I’d have to agree with Bjorklund and Mangold, in that I doubt a simple tasting of alcohol
sends an explicit message encouraging it’s consumption. I do, however, also agree with Salaba
in that there is definitely a well-known perception of Wisconsin as a state strongly fueled by
booze. I think that those in power should keep this in mind when making decisions on
advertisements and bills to come in the future, and be aware of the already high prevalence of
drinking in Wisconsin. !
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http://www.wkow.com/story/28097965/2015/02/12/wi-assembly-passes-bill-allowing-liquor-
samples-at-grocery-stores-and-retailers!