Booze in paper bag

[carlton23]

I hope an American can settle a question that`s been bothering me for years now,it`s, Why do even respectable looking people besides hobo`s hide their booze in a brown paper bag to take a quick drink, do they think others don`t know what they`re doing?

[katerich48]

I think its probably because in the US - the supermarkets /liqour stores all use brown paper bags to pack your stuff in unlike the plastic we use.. So people just tend to leave it in there..

[yorkie9]

Possibly 'cos different states within US have laws about openly drinking liquor on the streets. However, if it's enclosed in a bag, it's not illegal as no one would know whether it's liquor or soda pop! In New Orleans, they drink liquor out of plastic cups on the streets, which is legal.

[tamborine]

For the same reason Off Licences wrap the booze in tissue paper.

[carlton23]

I understand all that, but it still seems ridiculous to hide what is obvious. Our `wino`s` are proud to display their ill habits.

[funnygirl]

Don't know what winos you've been looking at, but around here they all hide their drinks in brown paper bags!

[Postdog]

Why do they call then wino's when it's white lightning, special brew or meths?

[Smutmachine]

This may explain things postdog.

http://en.wikipedia.o...ow-end_fortified_wine

[Hekat]

it isn't about hiding their bad habits, because they are embarrassed or anything. it is because in most states drinking alcohol on public property is illegal. therefore the brown bottling is more of a open secret. it let's the police pass the homeless who are drinkers and not have to arrest or ticket them.