In documentaries, films and TV I always see beer bottles wrapped in a brown paper bag. Why is this?

6 comments

1. Because drinking in public is illegal in most places. If the bottle is obscured, it’s not as obvious that it’s alcohol.

2. Because outside of Las Vegas and some parts of New Orleans public drinking isn’t allowed.

   It’s a dumb rule imo, but 🤷‍♂️

3. [obligatory Major Colvin](https://youtu.be/e9YgBF58Qks)

   The short version is that cops need probable cause that you’ve commited a crime to conduct a search, so by hiding the bottle it removes the probable cause unless you’re visibly intoxicated.

4. Easiest way to not advertise the brand

5. I believe them showing the label of a product requires payment to the company. So, to save money.

6. It gives the police a chance to “look the other way”. As long as you aren’t causing trouble, or not stumbling around visibly drunk then the police will probably leave you alone unless somebody has made a complaint. The bag isn’t fooling anyone