Billings reacts to being named "third-drunkest" in USA
Posted: Feb 9, 2010 7:32 AM
Updated: Feb 9, 2010 8:14 AM
Men's Health magazine has put Billings on the map, but not for the quality of life that the Magic City boasts about.
According to a survey conducted by the magazine, Billings is the third-drunkest city in America.
The survey is based on binge drinking, booze-fueled car crashes, death rates from alcoholic liver disease, and the number of arrests and the severity of DUI penalties.
While many find the city's inclusion on the list humorous, others feel it points to a serious issue.
To hear what Billings residents think about Billings' new "achievement" we headed out to the bars Saturday.
"Awesome," says Ben Crofton of Billings with a laugh. "Right on."
Fellow socialite Emily joined in on the enthusiasm, saying, "We actually high-fived each other and I don't know if that's a good thing."
Sitting at a neighboring table, Bob Toombs could relate to all three top "drunkest" cities.
"I also lived in Reno, spent some time in Fresno as well, which is 1, 2, and 3, so I've seen it all," Toombs says with a chuckle.
Billings' new "claim to fame" even inspired a Facebook page that already has the support of more than 1,200 fans.
While many were in good spirits about the new stigma Billings has earned, most were actually surprised by the news.
"I am surprised by it," admits Billings resident and Carlin DJ, Danny Tellez. "I mean, Montana, Billings, is a great place to raise your family."
Toombs agreed, noting, "It's kind of surprising I guess, considering the size."
But Billing Police Sergeant Kevin Iffland sees it in a different light.
"Billings, being the most populous city in the state and then depending on how they ranked certain things, not surprising that Billings would come out to the highest out of the state of Montana," explains Iffland.
Iffland says in 2009 the Billings Police Department receieved more than 1,600 DUI calls from the community.
The city of Billings also saw 546 DUI citations and more than 157 DUI-related car accidents.
"It's challenging for us to deal with it, but I think we've got a good handle and are doing the best that we can with the resources we've got available," Iffland says.
The numbers are a wake-up call, but when it comes down to it, this survey is more about the simple act of drinking. And enjoying cocktail hour is no new concept.
"I think it's the generation of people," says a Billings resident enjoying a martini on Saturday night. "That's what our parents did. We just drink. It's cold and what else are you going to do?"
Addiction Counselor Terri Helmer says drinking has become a part of society.
"People go out and they have fun when they're drinking," Helmer says. "We're teaching our kids at a very early age that alcohol is acceptable and it goes hand in hand with leisure activities."
There's no doubt the drinks will keep getting poured, but Helmer just hopes those who are consuming them do it in a responsible manner.
"I would say be careful," Helmer states. "That a lot people start as social drinkers, but then it turns into something more serious."
Marie at Feb 9th 2010 12:50 PM
I would be ashamed to be in the top three drunken cities. My mom didn't drink at all when I was growing up she raised 6 girls and my dad only drank a few beers on week ends and he did it at home. he didn't drink and drive. And yes, what is that teaching our youth??? Shame on you.
Dinomontana at Feb 13th 2010 5:19 PM
This story doesn't surprise me at all. I have lived in many places in the US as a service member. I also have a Sociology degree and I think I have a bit of an understanding of trends and social tendencies. I grew up in Billings and Bozeman as one parent lived in one and the other well, in the other. You couldn't find two more different societies with different goals. Billings in my opinion is on a collision course for long term social problems usually associated with areas that are predominantly low socio-economic status. There is little to no law enforcement of petty crime like traffic which emboldens people to break even more laws. Traffic here has a MOB mentality. "If you are going over the speed limit and there is someone riding your rear bumper, you are probably in Billings." Crime statistics: Is there less crime here or is it just that less crime is reported? People in Billings dont like to get involved even in their own neighborhoods. Yes I am looking for a new place to live. Shame though. I was born here.