NEW ORLEANS ‒ Along the most boozy street in America, the news that the Surgeon General recommends warning labels on alcohol is being met with a collective “so what?”

In a city famous for its vibrant nightlife, it’s unsurprising that those on Bourbon Street aren’t deterred from enjoying their drinks. Here, revelers are allowed to stroll with colorful cocktails like “the Horny Gator” and “the Hand Grenade.”

“We know McDonald’s isn’t healthy, but we still hit up the drive-thru weekly,” remarked local resident Shakira Morgan, 28.

Tourist Jorge Montanez from Oklahoma echoed her thoughts, sipping his “Vegas Bomb” drink: “People are going to do what they feel like doing.”

Bourbon Street has always been a hotspot for partying, and the atmosphere remained unchanged even after Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned on Friday that alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. He proposed that Congress require warning labels akin to those found on cigarette packs and other tobacco products.

“Alcohol is toxic. We all know that,” stated bartender Keithon Burnette, 39, outside Cafe Lafitte in Exile on Bourbon Street, while waiting for customers. “People are aware of what they’re consuming.”

Burnette drew comparisons between alcohol and cigarettes or hot dogs: consumers are informed about their choices. As a bodybuilder, he noted he became aware of hot dogs’ unhealthiness after viewing a documentary, not due to regulations.

“I still enjoy hot dogs, but I don’t eat them as often,” Burnette chuckled.

As he enjoyed a High Noon seltzer while wandering Bourbon Street, tourist and liquor distributor Will Williams expressed his annoyance that the Surgeon General’s warning arrived during the closing days of the Biden administration. He suggested that it feels more political than practical.

Williams explained that the liquor industry is already facing challenges, especially as younger generations lean towards THC products like vapes and edibles. He argued that informing the public about alcohol’s cancer risks could negatively impact sales even further.

“Putting a warning label on the side of that truck? Awful,” he commented. “If you’re using a regulated product that has age restrictions, you ought to research whether or not it’s safe to consume.”