Minnesota State Fair officials have decided to allow fair vendors to sell “strong beer” this year at the fair as opposed to the 3.2 varieties that have been beer drinkers only choice in the past. For years the State Fair was the final hold out against full strength beer with 5 percent alcohol, allowing only the weaker 3.2 percentage alternatives. The 3.2 choice has drawn plenty of complaints from fair goers and vendors are thankful that the fair is ready to ante up. Vendors will be able to offer more choices to their customers including local Minnesota brews that only come in full strength. Critics of the change are concerned over increased public drunkenness, but fair officials don’t think there will be any more problems than usual. Even with the moaning and groaning of the 3.2 choice, last year fair visitors managed to drink 91,000 gallons of beer, but most fair goers prefer to eat instead of drink anyway. For example, last year there was 3 million in beer sales and 22 million dollars in food sales! Minnesota State Fair goers definitely love to eat and this year they can drink and be merry, too!
