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The United States—the land of the free. The home of the brave. And the nation of some very peculiar habits, according to the internet. Other countries in the world are confused by some of the things that Americans do. Like calling tuna “tuna fish” and putting too much cheese on everything. I find it endearing, others find it strange.

Bored Panda has collected some of the best tweets that show how confused foreigners are at what some Americans do. Scroll down and upvote your faves. And be sure to check out our previous post about Europeans who shared what problems are too American for them to grasp.

Culture clashes are nothing new. After all, if every country and culture were the same, there’d be no point in leaving your home, right? (Spoiler warning: due to the coronavirus pandemic, you shouldn’t be leaving your home either way.) Benny Lewis, founder of the Fluent in 3 Months blog, spent 4 years living in the US and has some gripes about the culture. Including how Americans are too politically correct while at the same time they think that everything is “awesome.”

#1

Things-Americans-Do

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European other
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It makes sense to start with the day, but I guess it's what you get used to

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Prince Maroochy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We choose from a lot more at first, eventually narrowing it down to two and choosing from them.

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According to Benny from Ireland, Europeans traveling around the US will find a lot of things weird. Like the fact that Americans smile way too much and it’s difficult to know when they mean it and when they’re smiling out of reflex.

Another thing that Benny found very unusual is something a lot of people complain about when they arrive in the US. Yup, you guessed it—tipping! “I really think tipping as a means of waitresses and others earning the vast majority of their living is ridiculous. If I have to pay, say 15% anyway, then include it in the bill! It's not a bloody tip if it's mandatory!” Benny expressed his opinion. Some of us can agree that mandatory tipping is sneaky and that servers should earn a decent wage that isn’t based on tips.

“Why not tip everyone who you interact with in some way—bus drivers, or leave money on your trash can for the garbage man? It's inconsistent, and waiters, hairdressers, and taxi drivers should just charge us what needs to be charged,” Benny writes in his blog.

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#4

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Kaisu
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This also goes for strict gun laws. Why do Americans think strict gun laws won't work in their country when it works in literally all other developed countries?

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#5

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Thomas brennan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an irish person I dont mind it, it is nice for people to be proud of their heritage. What I do mind is when they ask do I know paddy mcsomething from donegal. I know Ireland's small but we don't all live in one village. Oh and the accent impersonations are damn annoying...although in my experience the English are the worst for imitating accents.

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#6

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Alan Green
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The other day when they announced America now has the highest C19 infections of any country an american in the comments said "BS, I'm sure Europe has more". Seems some Americans think Europe is a country.

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He also has issues with how in some parts of America prices aren’t what they seem because the tax isn’t included to make the cost seem lower than it really is.

Of course, taxing is different in different states, but this doesn’t excuse corporations from printing up different product costs for each state. Or, as Benny puts it, “We have the same product sold across many European countries and somehow someone in the company found the time to punch numbers into a $1 calculator in advance to tell people how much they are actually paying.”

#7

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why was fahrenheit even invented? The metric system just makes so much more sense. Freezing point is 0C and boiling point is 100C. A litre is 1000millilitres, 100 centimetres is 1 metre etc.

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#8

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Petra Schaap
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

thats not just American. I think it depends on the person. I have local friends who do and local friends who dont, and American friends who do and dont.

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#9

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Just Carmen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know about other Americans, but at our house, we just call it TUNA.

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But before you start thinking that all Europeans have it out for the US, Benny also mentions some awesome things about Americans. For example, nobody can deny that Americans have an incredible work ethic and how open-minded and diverse most of the country is. It’s a country with plenty of positives, peppered with a whole lot of bizarreness.

#10

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Colin Bayler
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because you don't need a bloody scale to measure grams. All you need is a simple cup with lines. DUH!

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Just Carmen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well actually, most of the time we say that we don't give a s**t, so.....

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#12

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Stimpy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried changing it to "the poopery" but people won't listen to me

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#13

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Carol Lewis
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think that, nor have I ever thought that. I don't know anyone who does. Where did you even come up with that nonsense.

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#14

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Mette Olsen Douglas
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think I know anybody who lives like they have free healthcare - quite the opposite actually. "Is it truly bad enough to go see a doctor or can we survive without going"? Nobody want those bills that follows a doctors visit!!

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#15

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Kaisu
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some Americans also love making fun of people who speak English with a foreign accent, when they themselves can only speak one language

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#16

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Brick
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything to not use the metric system whats next: glazed donuts per bald eagle who knows

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#17

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Winston Smith
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hear it said at least 3 different ways depending on what news channel you watch

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#20

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Bill
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because educators didn't want parents to think E meant "Excellent"

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#21

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Chewie Baron
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't get me started on how Americans pronounce 'mirror'. They miss out the 'o' and say "mirrrrr". Madness!

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#22

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

High school was pretty much the worst time in my life. My daughter is going through it now and I wish I could just fast forward her outta there.

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#23

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C Black
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans get MAD? Rather they probably just don't know which sport you're speaking of. In America, football and soccer are two different sports. That's probably why they don't know what you're talking about. As for being "mad..." I doubt they are mad about it, LOL.

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Marcellus the Third
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah but then you also have 'drinks halls' in germany with liquor, beer, water, soda... Why? Also you're ignoring the "dry county" thing where within one state many counties may sell absolutely zero alcohol and the next does.

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Dippin Dot
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The concept of having a "dry" municipality is due to the majority religious affiliation in a particular region. In the south, certain Baptists forbid alcohol consumption, in Utah it's LDS, and areas like Pennsylvania it would be the Puritan influence.

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Belinda_Vikingheart_🇧🇻
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Norway to, called Vinmonopolet. The state have monopoly selling hard liqeur. In the food stores, you can by beer.

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Ariel Fox
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Quebec, Canada, only the provincial government is allowed to sell alcohol - it's in special stores that are only open limited hours 6 days a week! It's the province's Roman Catholic heritage...

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Kathy Baylis
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends where you are. Some states allow grocery stores to sell liquor too, others only allow it to be sold in licensed stores, and yet others have completely “dry” counties where you can’t buy it at all!

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Tabitha L
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Go to any grocery in Louisiana, you will find liquor. Go to any gas station, you will find liquor. Go to any pharmacy, you will find liquor. And yet.....we still have liquor stores too! (And drive-through daiquiri shops, but that is beside the point.)

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Flash Henry
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It varies state by state, and it's hella annoying. Like in New Jersey, liquor stores carry everything, but you can't get beer at supermarkets or other shops. Then in NY you can get beer anywhere, but there is no beer in the liquor stores because they only sell hard liquor and wine.

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Everybody Say love!
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The UK have Off-Licences which exclusively sell alcohol (and snacks of course, we're no monsters!)

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have bottle-o’s (liquor shops), it is extremely unlikely for you to find a supermarket that sells grog.

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Gregg Long
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The selling of Alcohol is regulated by the states. This was part of the compromise in getting rid of the National Prohibition Amendment. States that were still anti-alcohol (mostly the more religious states) couldn't bann it anymore but could put all kinds of regulations around how it could be sold to placate the religious people who saw it as sinful. In many states it's just like you describe. It's just sold in the Super market like anything else except they still ask for ID if you buy it.

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Helena Murphy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

South Africa also have liquor stores - it is called either Liquor store or Bottle Store

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Darling McKee
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are conservative, even democrats. And not everywhere is allowed to sell liquor. It must be closely monitored. You’ll even find security guards there to make sure no one underage gets in. Why would you want to travel to a store without knowing wether they have what you’re looking for or not?

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Random Panda
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not only in America, to my knowledge it's somewhat the same in Sweden. They have a single chain of stores that is allowed to sell beverages with a high alcohol content and it's that way to enforce the age limit. There are probably other countries with similar set-ups.

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Id row
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

News flash: Laws differ from country to country. It's illegal to sell alcohol in the supermarket in the state I live in. You have to go to a separate store for it, which we appropriate call a liquor store.

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Helen Haley
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Puritan history and various states of prohibition throughout history. So anything above basic beer is generally more regulated in how and when it can be distributed and is inconvenient for regular grocery stores to deal with.

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Catalina Chavez
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because we don’t want people to take alcohol lightly. It is completely different from groceries. & liquor stores check IDs, it’s safer.

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Lillukka
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to Finland. You can get beer and cider and mixers in supermarket, but only up to 5,5At%. And only between 9-21. Anything above that, you go to alko or Estonia.

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C Black
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because in a LOT of states in America, you cannot purchase liquor in grocery stores. Supermarkets here in America, in SOME STATES, CAN sell liquor, wine and beer. Supermarkets here in America, in SOME STATES, can only sell wine and beer. Supermarkets here in America, in SOME STATES, cannot sell liquor OR wine, only beer. Supermarkets here in America, sell groceries primarily. Therefore, liquor stores exist for those who don't want to go to the supermarket when they only want spirits.

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Kerri Labelle
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some states do sell beer and wine in the grocery stores and sell liquor at an ABC store.

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Bill
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in Japan , you can get a liter of whiskey or growler of beer from the streetside vending machine

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Winston Smith
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In America too now. Theres no stand alone liquor stores around here

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Jim Kang
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, and they say Americans are parochial. This idiot seems to think the whole world does things in exactly the same way. Here's a clue, it's just a name, you know like in America we call it a freeway, but in Germany it's called an Autobahn. Wow! That's f*****g weird? A different name in a different language?

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Nunya
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In America, government regulation took hold in the period known as "Prohibition". It became illegal to make, sell, purchase, or imbibe alcohol of any kind at one point. When it was legalized again, there were certain regulations that went into place. In some states, it is illegal to sell alcohol in a grocery store. Thus, the liquor store became a thing. Also, some states won't allow grain alcohol or spirits in grocery stores. Beer and wine are ok, but not gin or scotch.

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Colin Bayler
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most supermarkets DO sell liquor, especially the large chains.

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Ariel Fox
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The FIRST thing I noticed when I arrived in Los Angeles was liquor sold in DRUGSTORES, SUPERMARKETS, and CONVENIENCE STORES! What are you talking about??

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Johnny Farnen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This varies state-to-state, state being a concept Europeans in particular cannot grasp.

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Scott Lloyd
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our supermarkets has liquor sold in it. All liquor stores around my aria that I know about have a drive though window so there's that.

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Jeri Moore
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because the grocery store isn’t big enough for all the varieties and I don’t want to trip on feral children while holding a glass bottle.

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Blackheart
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Liquor is typically not sold in a supermarket because there are very specific guidelines for a liquor license to which a supermarket would not adhere. For ,example, in some states, liquor stores have to close at a much earlier time, like 7pm

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Beans
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is silly. We have liquor stores in Australia too, at least in WA... and I've lived in the US in Washington and the alcohol there was just sold inside the supermarket. So in some places its like the opposite of what he's saying.

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Hannah Marshall
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they can't sell alcohol in the supermarket. Same as in Canada. It's something to do with the legality, or some tax laws, or licensing or something.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on the state. Some state laws allow for alcohol to be sold in supermarkets, and some don't. The ones that don't have liquor stores.

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Harley Hans Hoglin
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many states ban the sale of hard liquor on Sundays, and in some states the liquor store is over seen by the state to collect taxes. Thuse once the bottle is sold the end user if a bar can give it away if they want, and not have to cover the taxes on each shot in the bottle. In my state Texas a bar pays the same sales tax on the bottle as I would. Then has to charge sales tax on each shot taken from the bottle.

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Elizabeth Gardner
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have liquor stores in Australia, also called bottle shops, and drive in bottle shops.

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Bettye McKee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our country, our rules. Many supermarkets are not permitted to sell alcohol (liquor).

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Kikka io
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and why if you buy a bottle of anything you have to carry it around with the paper bag? as if seeing someone who is sticking to a paper bag on the street, one does not know that a spirit of some kind is being drained.

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Veronica Sjöberg
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the same in many countries. You cant buy alcohol in a supermarket everywhere. In sweden It's called systembolaget and its only open mon-fri 10-19 and 10-15 on saturdays. The only alcohol you can buy at a supermarket is beer at 3,5 %, that wont get you drunk unless you try reeeeallly hard

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deanna woods
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because in some parts, mainly the Bible Belt, the supermarkets may not want to sell it and also if you buy it in a liquor store there's more discretion.

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#26

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#28

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Anne
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are handy when you bring cooked food to a meeting/people etc.

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#29

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