It is almost that time of year again; time to study risk from a festival known as Oktoberfest. Whether it is a solution for the “stink of stale beer” or understanding the societal cost from blood/alcohol ratios, scientists will be there.

Approximately 5,000 of 6 million annual visitors of the Oktoberfest in Munich [0.1%] have to undergo medical treatment. Patients with alcohol intoxication without trauma or further complications are all treated in a specialized medical camp. We studied these patients in order to identify risk factors and to assess the relevance of the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and of ethanol blood concentrations for patient management.

The numbers show young men, the highest percentage of attendees, are most at risk. Surprise, no?

I also note economists in attendance; inflation measures indicate the cost of Oktoberfest is rising faster than other areas of consumption.

In the last 25 years the German consumer price index rose by 58.1% but a visit to the world famous Oktoberfest costs you now 152.2% more than in 1985. The calculation is based on following expenses: local public transport, 1/2 grilled chicken and 2 litres of beer (IMHO a very frugal Oktoberfest visit;-)

Another note on economics…the BBC reports that waitresses who tie a knot on the left receive more tip money.