Why do we salute you? Because your enjoyment of a cold mug of suds has contributed $16 billion to the Texas economy in the last year, far more than our budding entertainment industry (only $409 million), and provided over 78,000 jobs at breweries and distributors across the state.
For every $15 that you spend on a pitcher of Shiner or $6 on every six pack of Real Ale, distributors are paying you back by paying billions in state and local taxes alone (a bit more than your property tax bill, I hope) and just as much paying for wages and benefits for their many employees.
So the next time your wife or girlfriend chides you about blowing $20 at the bar with your friends, remind her that you’re just doing your part for the Texas economy. (Also, maybe think about getting a new wife or girlfriend. Just saying.)
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2009.