The members and Directors of Raise Your Pints care about our communities.  The fact that we are active in this cause shows that we are passionate about improving the quality of life here and making Mississippi a better place to live.  The types of products we’re advocating are high-end, gourmet beverages that simply do not appeal to kids or binge-drinkers.  And even if they did, they cost many times as much per serving of alcohol.  In other words, it costs too much to get drunk off craft beer to make it at all enticing to kids or binge-drinkers (more info).  These beverages are more akin to fine wine than malt liquor and are treated much the same as fine wine.

We take the issue of drinking and driving seriously.  To put it bluntly, it’s stupid and dangerous.  If you choose to enjoy adult beverages you should act like a mature adult and do it responsibly.  If you drink, don’t drive.  Use a designated driver or call a friend.  The next time you go out, consider volunteering to be the designated driver and abstain.  It’s the right thing to do and you could be the hero that saves a life.  It is important to understand that removing the ban on gourmet beer in Mississippi would not lead to an increase in DUIs.  We know this because 47 other states have already removed this ban.  In fact, states with a low alcohol cap on beer like Mississippi typically have higher rates of DUI than states without a cap or with a higher cap, according to MADD.

Mississippi law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing and consuming intoxicating beverages.  Raise Your Pints will never encourage underage drinking.  You must be at least 21 years of age to join Raise Your Pints or participate in Raise Your Pints events.  If you are an adult of legal drinking age, we’d love to have your support.  Just remember that it’s never cool to purchase or give alcohol to minors.      

Science has shown over and over that moderate drinking is perfectly compatible with a healthy lifestyle.  In fact, recent studies have shown that there are many healthful compounds in wine and beer and that light to moderate drinking can contribute to a happy and healthy life.  That’s good news.  But it is not license to get drunk every day.  Light to moderate drinking is defined by these studies as one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.  There’s nothing healthy about inebriation.  Besides, why waste that expensive imported bottle of Orval if you’re too buzzed to enjoy it?  Save it for when it can be fully enjoyed, preferably shared with friends who also appreciate great craft beer.