8 Unusual Drinking Laws and Customs That Technically Still Exist Today

There are many rules winemakers must follow to get their wines from grape to bottle, but another set of arcane rules exist, embedded in documents ancient and less so.

Some are only technically on the books, but others are still followed. Let’s explore a few of the most bizarre ones.

Georgia: Down in one!

It is a custom in the nation of Georgia for guests at a traditional meal to wait until the official toastmaster proposes a toast and gives permission to drink. His speech takes about 15 minutes, and then guests are obliged to down their entire glass of wine at once. This process takes place over the duration of the evening.

France: A very literal tax.

Napoleon created a law requiring French winemakers to give 1% of their wine to the state for the army each year. While they no longer have to give the wine itself, winemakers are still required to give the equivalent in skins, pips, and grape pulp left over from pressing. This is then given to the state and turned into industrial alcohol.

South Korea: Be extra respectful.

It is a tradition when drinking that you must interact with the soju (a type of rice) in an unusually respectful manner. Pourers should hold the bottle with both hands, and receivers must also hold their glass with both hands. Plus, when with elderly or respected people, you must turn your face away from the them as a sign of respect.

Hungary: No clinking!

In Hungary, it is very rare to see people clinking glasses when they toast. Legend says this dates from the failed rebellion of the Thirteen Martyrs of Arad (rebel generals) in 1849. When they were executed, their foes were said to have been clinking their glasses in celebration. As a result, the citizens pledged a 150-year vow to not celebrate while drinking. Though the 150 year rule ended in 1999, it’s still quite rare to see people toasting in this way.

Kansas: Put down that tea cup.

As far as the weird wine laws go, this is probably one of the strangest. It is technically illegal to drink any form of wine from a teacup in the state of Kansas. While the law is extremely weird, we have wine glasses for a reason, right? I think I’m in favor of this one.

Pennsylvania: Ask your wife first.

Another bizarre law that hasn’t changed for decades states that in Pennsylvania, a man must obtain a note of permission from his wife before purchasing any form of alcohol for consumption. Obviously this one started being ignored along the way.

Mississippi: Parents have the power.

Mississippi is a unique US state, where anyone 18 year of age or older is legally permitted to get beer or “light wine” (under 5% alcohol) from a parent, spouse, or legal guardian. There is an ongoing debate, especially within the wine community, that a legal drinking age of 21 is too high; the state of Mississippi seems to agree.

Utah: Mandatory spitting.

When attending a wine tasting in the state of Utah, it is technically illegal to swallow the wine. Instead, all wine must be spat out. I’m not entirely sure how many people follow this rule, though. Comment if you can confirm it!

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