Md. Beverage Company Gives Customers the Honesty Test

LANHAM, Md. (WNEW) — It’s a simple test: If no one is there to take your money, will you still pay for a drink?

Bethesda-based beverage company Honest Tea gave that test to people nationwide this summer as part of its annual “National Honesty Index.” The company set up unattended drink stands in 62 cities across the country, and put up a sign asking people to place $1 in a bucket if they take a beverage.

Apparently, some cities abide by the honor code more than others.

Locally, Arlington, Baltimore and D.C. all had 96 percent of people paying the $1, while Bethesda had 94 percent honesty. Richmond ranked toward the bottom of the index with only 88 percent of residents putting a dollar in the bucket.

Honolulu ranked as the most honest city, with 100 percent of its residents paying for the drink. Manchester, Connecticut; Lake George, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; and Birmingham, Alabama all had 99 percent of its residents pony up the dollar.

On the flip side, Providence, Rhode Island was the least honest city, with only 80 percent of its residents paying. Minneapolis, Minnesota (81 percent); Long Island, New York (86 percent); and Milwaukee, Wisconsin (87 percent) also ranked toward the bottom.

Nationally, 95 percent of the beverages taken were paid for.

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