TURNING BEER INTO WATER

According to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal, residents in the Czech Republic have the highest per capita consumption of beer in the world. It is asserted that a glass of beer is less expensive than a glass of water. (Wall Street Journal, January 25, 2013, p. A1).

Reacting to the situation, the country's health minister allegedly has proposed a regulation that would require restaurants and bars to offer at least one non-alcoholic beverage, such as tap water, at a price less than a similar amount of beer.

Cost comparisons between beer and water may not be quite what they seem, however. Tap water generally is not offered in restaurants. Instead, it is more likely for bottled still or "with gas" mineral water to be offered, and the price of that water may be higher than equivalent beer.

Of course, there appears to be some resistance to the proposed regulation. The country is famous for its beers, which have been made there for over 1,000 years, and is the birthplace of "pilsner." For some, beer is known as "liquid bread." The Journal quotes one enthusiast as saying "Beer is like mother's milk for adults." On a different level, it appears some object to additional regulations and attempted social engineering of beverages.

Personally, I can relate to the importance of Czech beer with some of my experiences. On one occasion, I had a business meeting in Prague scheduled with several local men. They suggested that the meeting take place in a nearby bar at 10 am. Still foggy with jet lag, I looked forward to a stiff cup of coffee. No! We all sat at the bar at 10 am drinking mugs of beer. That was a power breakfast!

On another occasion, my wife and I were wandering through the Old Town Square in Prague, and sat down to rest at one of the many touristic cafes that line the Square. In Czech, beer is called "pivo." Feeling energized, I ordered a "gran pivo", thinking it must be a superior blend. To my surprise, and shock, the waiter brought a huge pitcher, of at least 64 oz, and set it on the table. It seemed like he brought the whole keg. I drank it all, slowly and somewhat painfully, to save face with watching locals, and then dashed away in search of the always hidden WC.

One of our favorite neighborhood cafes in Prague is located in a university student area. It is a small cafe, with old furniture and a beat up upright piano in the center. It's the kind of place where you see students sitting at tables reading books and sipping a brew, whether beer. coffee or hot tea. Maybe I like it because who knows what famous or to become famous writers, artists or musicians may be sitting next to us; and maybe some of that bohemian intellectualism may rub off on us. But more likely, I like it because of my lunch there: a bowl of cabbage soup, a slice of fresh rye bread with caraway seeds and a mug of smooth beer.

Certainly, there are arguments for promoting drinking of water over beer, particularly in the case of children. On the other hand, I have read that some researchers assert that beer is good for one's vascular system, if not waist line. At any rate, I have doubts that legislation in the Czech Republic can reverse history and culture by turning beer into water for its citizens.