Drink, but be responsible

Minot (N.D.)Daily News: North Dakota has quickly risen up the ranks of the top oil-producing states in the nation, with the state sitting at No. 2 behind only Texas. The state’s rising population has also likely contributed to another boom in North Dakota: We are the top beer-drinking state in the nation.

According to the Beer Institute, which represents the beer industry, North Dakota’s 21-and-older population of 509,226 people chugged approximately 45.8 gallons of beer per-capita in 2012, nearly two gallons more than second-place New Hampshire’s 43.9 gallons.

Let’s hope those who helped North Dakota become the top beer-drinking state in the nation always remember to drink responsibly. Relaxing after a hard day’s work with a few cold ones is one thing, but never forget the need for personal responsibility and that means making sure you have a safe ride home if you’ve been drinking.