Drinking Games Aren't Allowed In This State's Bars

If you're planning a cross-country road trip odyssey in search of the next epic beer pong or flip cup tournament, hoping to explore what each state's bars have to offer in terms of drinking game contests or prize money, just make sure one state is crossed off your list. 

The natural beauty and splendor of its rugged coastline and pristine wilderness makes Maine a beautiful place to visit. The state is also home to the start or terminus — depending on the season and one's preferred route — of the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail footpath enjoyed by millions of hiking and nature enthusiasts each year.

While you can always get your outdoorsy fix in Maine, the state prohibits drinking games in bars that promote the consumption of alcohol. This means that there are no prizes or rewards offered in exchange for demonstrating your prowess at tossing a ping pong ball in a red solo cup or in flipping said cup, no matter how much time you spent honing your partying skills in college.

The idea behind the law is that drinking games are designed to encourage people to tipple in excess, and Maine prefers that you moderate your pace. With so much outdoor recreation at your fingertips, there's also a good chance you'll be needing to operate some heavy machinery during your travels through what State Symbols USA reminds us is "The Pine Tree State." As your beer and liquor labels warn, this is certainly not advised. Even if you plan to explore the state by foot, this CNN video proves that you probably also don't want to encounter an ill-tempered moose after you've imbibed one too many.

In addition to the drinking games ban, Maine has another law on the books limiting how many alcoholic beverages bars can serve customers at one time. However, on one occasion, Maine let its hair down and relaxed one of its booze-based laws.

Maine normally restricts the sale of alcohol on Sundays until after 9 a.m. But in 2013, a year when St. Patrick's Day fell on a Sunday, then-Governor Paul LePage signed a bill allowing stores to sell alcohol beginning at 6 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day, per the Bangor Daily News. Irish pub owners pushed for the change, so they can pour a few more pints of Guinness on the holiday that is their top annual money-maker. Slainte!