Who dares to say your life spent swilling the suds is a complete waste of time and money! The stats from the following press release, if memorized and spouted during your next dressing-down, should provide you with a snappy comeback, More importantly, it should allow you to take pride knowing your consumption is helping fuel the Utah economy ... [image-1] one sip at a time:

"A new economic impact study shows that America’s beer industry, made up of brewers, beer importers, beer distributors, brewer suppliers, and retailers, directly and indirectly contributes $573,375,695 annually to Utah’s economy. The study, commissioned by the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute, also shows that the industry’s economic impact in Utah includes 6,807 jobs—paying $165,561,257 in wages—as well as $57,094,202 in federal, state, and local taxes.

"According to the study, the beer industry directly employs 3,893 people in Utah, paying them $79,493,469 in wages. The 16 beer distributors in Utah employ 490 people. Large and small brewers and beer importers employ approximately 117 people. Beer sales help support roughly 3,287 jobs at licensed retailers, which include supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, stadiums and other outlets."

Hope the Legislature remembers to thank Utah beer drinkers next session for their contribution to the tax base. I think a proclamation of some sort is in order. And maybe allow the public to buy kegs? Hate the sin, love the taxes, as they say.