Home HistoryBoston History Why Boston doesn’t have happy hour

Why Boston doesn’t have happy hour

by Chris Butsch
Boston doesn't have happy hour

Happy hour and Boston seemingly go hand-in-hand. We love our beer, so why not award trivia victors or post-work patrons with a little discount?

Boston bars used to offer happy hour until 1983, when a group of college kids received free pitchers of beer for winning a bar game. Now drunk, the kids drove away with 20-year-old Kathleen Barry on the roof, who tragically fell off and died. In response, the state banned bars from offering discounted alcohol or drinks as prizes.

In addition to helping with moderation, the ban protects bars from price wars.

Chris Butsch

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