If you live in a state that allows happy hour, you probably didn’t realize that the “happy hour ban” is actually a thing. If you live in one that doesn’t allow it, this may be old news to you.

That being said, yes, banning happy hour is common across the United States. Whether your home state allows it or not, did you ever wonder why they would do such a thing?

According to Time, the reasoning behind banning happy hour is that it discourages binge drinking. Apparently, selling drinks at a discounted price or giving away free alcohol will encourage customers to drink more, which increases alcohol-related problems like public indecency and drunk driving. In fact, some organizations, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), aren’t opposed to the idea of banning happy hour all together. Don’t worry — there are still only eight states that won’t allow it.

The eight states that have a ban on happy hour are Alaska, Indiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont.

Overall, the theory about happy hour is that it promotes binge drinking. Do you agree? What’s your home state’s take on god ol’ happy hour? Do you think banning happy hour prevents alcohol-related issues, or does it just make these states unhappy?

The accompanying slideshow is provided by special contributor, Juliet Tierney.