by Anura Guruge
on April 27, 2023
This is totally & utterly wrong. Yes, the data collected is no doubt correct BUT that is data is distorted.
Yes, it is per capita, but per capita can lie!
1st & fundamental problem: NH has a relatively small population (though I am staggered to realize that we have a smidge more than the much, much, much LARGER Maine). This small base number doesn’t have much leeway to accommodate external factors that are NOT taken into account.
NH gets a TON of beer guzzling visitors YEAR ROUND — in the winter for winter sports & in the Summer for the beaches & lakes. These out of states, beer guzzling visitors, don’t get factored into the per capita calculation.
NH also has an AGING population compared to other states. So, we have more adults than minors. Many adults drink beer. Not so many minors. This means that compared to other States we have a higher percentage of folks who can buy beer. That makes a difference.
2nd BIG Factor: By design alcohol is cheap in TAX-FREE NH. Alcohol sales is a major source of State revenue. We ENCOURAGE folks from the neighboring states to buy alcohol from us. That severely distorts the numbers.
So, that is the REAL STORY.
It is NOT per capita.
The U.K. ‘Daily Mail‘, though my favorite newspaper by far (& has been so for 40 years) never digs into the nitty gritty of stories like this. Hence why I felt obliged to clarify.
Got that? Thanks.
