Alaska Communities Ban Possession of Sugar, Yeast

Two ingredients that sit harmlessly in most most kitchens are actually barred in parts of rural Alaska—and a recent arrest is shining a light on the odd law. In an effort to curb the alcohol-abuse epidemic, a 2007 state law not only allows communities to ban booze but also the ingredients needed to make it. More than 30 communities signed on to the "local option" premise, deeming it a misdemeanor to stock sizable quantities of sugar and yeast with the intention of making "homebrew," the Anchorage Daily News reports.

The paper recounts the June 30 arrest of 42-year-old Gerald Hunt, found in possession of seven pounds of yeast, which he claimed was for baking bread. But state troopers have heard that one before: "We'll ask the questions, 'How much yeast does it take to bake a loaf of bread,' and you'll get an answer like, 'Oh, a cup.' I mean, it takes like a tablespoon, so that makes no sense," said one. Quips a district attorney, "There's only one thing to do with 7 pounds of yeast. Well, two things. You could either feed an army or make homebrew." (More Alaska stories.)