JIM!

[Clodfobble]

A lot of times they literally can't sell it to you because the registers are all computerized and they won't allow the sale before the clock strikes noon. But the other reason is, the government agencies will set up stings (at least around here.) They will send someone in to try to buy alcohol at 11:55, and if the store sells it they get slapped with a huge fine. Or they'll send someone underage to try to get into a bar, or they'll just come in undercover to all-ages clubs and start hunting down minors who have gotten someone else to buy a beer for them. It's nothing but a revenue-generator, but it's a sizeable revenue-generator, apparently.