Hey Colorado:
Low-point beer (3.2%)
Low-point beer, which is often called[
by whom?] "three-two beer" or "3 point 2 brew", is beer that contains 3.2%
alcohol by weight (equivalent to 4%
ABV).
The term "low-point beer" is unique to the
United States, where some states limit the sale of beer, but beers of this type are also available in countries (such as
Sweden and Finland) that tax or otherwise regulate beer according to its alcohol content. In Sweden, beer containing up to 3.5% ABV (called Folköl or "Peoples Beer") may be legally sold in any convenience store to people over 18 years of age, whereas stronger beer may only be sold in state-run liquor stores to people older than 20. In addition, businesses selling food for on-premises consumption do not need an alcohol license to serve 3.5% beer. Virtually all major Swedish brewers, and several international ones, in addition to their full-strength beer, make 3.5% folköl versions as well.
The
states of
Colorado,
Kansas,
Minnesota,
Oklahoma, and
Utah permit general establishments such as supermarket chains and convenience stores to sell only low-point beer.
[10][11][12][13][14] In these states, all alcoholic beverages containing more than 3.2% alcohol by weight (
ABW) must be sold from state-licensed liquor stores. Oklahoma additionally requires that any beverage containing more than 3.2% ABW must be sold at normal room temperature.
[15]
Missouri also has a legal classification for low-point beer, which it calls "nonintoxicating beer".
[16] Unlike Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Utah, however, Missouri does not limit supermarket chains and convenience stores to selling only low-point beer. Instead,
Missouri's alcohol laws permit grocery stores, drug stores, gas stations, and even "general merchandise stores" (a term that Missouri law does not define) to sell
any alcoholic beverage;
[17]consequently, 3.2% beer is rarely sold in Missouri.
[
edit]
