Alcohol News February 2004

Friday, February 27, 2004

Anheuser-Busch unveils new alcohol-awareness ad
Contra Costa Times, CA, February, 25, 2004
ST. LOUIS - Anheuser-Busch used the Super Bowl broadcast to emphasize the importance of designated drivers - the first spot in its new "Responsibility Matters" alcohol-awareness campaign.

This Sunday, the St. Louis brewer will use the Academy Awards ceremony - often referred to as the "Super Bowl for Women" - to roll out its second spot in the campaign, this one geared to mothers.

Still critics say the industry's 'Don't drink' messages to youths are at odds with the 'Do drink' message sent by other ads.

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Report: Sixty percent of U.S. adults drink...23 percent are smokers
CNN, February 26, 2004
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Sixty percent of U.S. adults drink alcohol and up to 20 percent are binge drinkers, according to a new comprehensive report of American habits and vices released on Wednesday.

The NCHS, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the fact sheet released on Wednesday is the most detailed look yet at the health habits of Americans.

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But a proposal to add that information to wine, beer and liquor would force consumers to confront the amount of caloric padding alcohol adds to their diets.

And that's as it should be, said George Hacker of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, one of two national consumer groups that petitioned the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau late last year to require more detailed alcohol labels.

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7 Towns Receive Grant To Fight Underage Drinking
MSNBC / WVIT, CT, February 27, 2004
New Haven, East Haven, Branford, Hamden, Shelton, New London and Torrington have been selected to receive a $100,000 federal grant, that will help police departments do undercover sting operations, train employees who sell alcohol to spot fake IDs and educate kids on drinking dangers as early as elementary school.

"Basically, we're going back on the old adage 'it takes a village to raise a child' and we're involving the entire community in our campaign to stop underage drinking," said East Haven Police Sgt. Robert Flodquist.

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Thursday, February 26, 2004

Plan targets under-21 bar patrons
2-The Advocate, LA, February 26, 2004
A Metro councilman said the debate on the outdoor sales of alcoholic beverages in downtown Baton Rouge led to his proposing an ordinance to keep people younger than 21 out of bars.

The councilman, Jim Benham, said he is hoping to curb problems associated with underage drinking. Benham's proposal is backed by the Louisiana Alliance to Prevent Underage Drinking. Sharon Ayers, alliance director, described the problems of underage drinking as a "crisis in our parish and state."

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Activists want to end penny pitchers
Iowa State Daily, IA, February 26, 2004
Ames activists are working to curb drinking habits in Ames and across Iowa." We have a five-pronged campaign with the dual goal of reducing overconsumption and underage drinking," said George Belitsos, director of Ames Youth and Shelter Services.

An increase in the excise tax on beer and required registration of beer kegs are issues currently being pursued in state government, and the expansion of regulations on low-cost drink specials will likely be brought before city government within the next few months, Belitsos said.

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Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Colorado's problems go beyond football
MSNBC, February 24, 2004
Underage drinking the greater issue for university...

Experts and pundits are grappling for answers as to why so many allegations of sexual assault are so prevalent at Colorado University. The real question is: Why are so many sexual assaults happening on America’s campuses?

According to a recent national survey released by the Harvard School of Public Health, 4.7 percent of college-aged women reported being raped. An astounding 72 percent of those victims were intoxicated during these incidents.

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San Luis Obispo can learn lessons from other party cities
San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA, February 24, 2004
For years, Palm Springs was party central for spring breakers. Today, the desert city is known more for its upscale resorts than drunken debauchery. What brought about the change?

"The city created the Harvest and Wildflower Festival," said Julie Baumer, former Palm Springs director of marketing and tourism. These kinds of changes to spring break discouraged young people from attending, breaking the cycle.

While a Harvest and Wildflower Festival may not be in San Luis Obispo's future, there are lessons to be learned from other communities that have developed creative alternatives and tougher laws to quash underage drinking and violent behavior.

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Alcohol in park concerns some
Iowa City Press-Citizen, February 24, 2004
Members of a community coalition against underage and binge drinking are concerned a proposal allowing certain groups to sell alcohol in public places could result in more problems than solutions.

Members of the Stepping Up Project said that while they have no problem with Riverside's request, they are concerned it will lead to additional alcohol sales on public property - resulting in more fights, vandalism and public disturbances.

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Tuesday, February 24, 2004

Hoops and hops
The North Carolina State Technician, NC, February 24, 2004
Bylaws in the NCAA rulebook state that no more than 14 percent of the space in game programs can be devoted to advertising beer and wine products, that a championship activity or promotion may not be sponsored by a liquor, tobacco, beer or wine company and that no alcoholic beverages may be sold for an NCAA championship.

N.C. State Board of Trustees chair Peaches Blank recently called the policy prohibiting sales of alcoholic beverages at State sporting events, "the right one." He said the university would rather be safe than sorry for serving alcohol at football and basketball games.

"There are a lot of risks involving underage, binge drinking," Blank said. "I don't think we need to be a part of exacerbating that. It's just logical [not to sell alcohol since] you have an age issue and a safety issue."

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PACE submits new suggestions to the ALRC
Badger Herald, WI, February 24, 2004
The existence of such heavily attended drink promotions as State Street Brats' Flip Night is being threatened by new recommendations proposed by the University of Wisconsin's Policy Alternatives Community and Education Project.

... research shows the average age of students on campus is 20.5, meaning 22,000 students at UW are under the age of 21. PACE director Sue Crowley said this is why PACE feels it is important to eliminate advertising in student newspapers -- most of their readers cannot legally drink.

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Monday, February 23, 2004

Beer may suffer the Joe Camel effect
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI, February 21, 2004
If a new class action lawsuit forces Anheuser-Busch Inc. and Miller Brewing Co. to pay billions of dollars in damages for alleged marketing to underage drinkers, it will be because the nation's two largest brewers were linked with an advertising icon-turned-villain: Joe Camel.

The suit says ads use youthful actors, suggesting an appeal to underage consumers. The suit also draws the Joe Camel analogy by citing some Anheuser-Busch ads, including the frogs, other spots featuring animated talking lizards and the '80s TV campaign with Spuds MacKenzie, a dog depicted as a "party animal."

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Think B4U Wink program making strides
Grand Island Independent, NE, February 22, 2004
Video aims to curb adults, parents from buying minors alcohol
The 18-minute video is part of the Think B4U Wink presentation, a program aimed at educating adults on the perils associated with underage drinking.

..."We need (adults') help. Law enforcement can't make a dent in this underage drinking without help from parents and other adults."

A lot of time and resources have been spent on trying to teach kids about the dangers associated with alcohol. Now it's time for the parents to step up, he said.

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Proposed fairground alcohol policy fuels debate
Daily Register, WI, February 21, 2004
Those attending this year's Marquette County fair may have to wait a little longer to find out how and where their thirst can be quenched. At this week's County Board meeting, Supervisor Mike Ingram motioned to table discussion regarding the Fair Board's proposal to limit alcohol use at the fair.

Fair Board President Tony Christensen felt that allowing alcohol in the livestock barns was not setting a good example for young exhibitors. "I'm wondering what we're trying to teach our youth," he said.

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Friday, February 20, 2004

News briefs from California's Central Coast
San Jose Mercury News, CA, February 19, 2004
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Police Chief Cam Sanchez wants to crack down on stores that sell malt liquor and beer near the city's Casa Esperanza homeless shelter.

Sanchez said he will discuss a crackdown on stores that sell alcohol with state Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control officials. It's not illegal for businesses to sell malt liquor, but a certain amount of responsibility comes with selling near the shelter, he said.

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Underage Drinking to be Focal Point for Alcohol Awareness Month 2004
Join Together, February 17, 2004
This April, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, now in its 60th year, will sponsor a month-long campaign to raise public awareness about underage drinking and other alcohol-related problems.

"Save a Life -- End Underage Drinking" is the theme for Alcohol Awareness Month 2004, which will begin with Alcohol-Free Weekend on Friday, April 2 - Sunday, April 4. During this time, NCADD Affiliates across the country will sponsor youth-planned and youth-run Alcohol-Free events, and parents and other adults will be asked to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages for a 72-hour period to demonstrate that alcohol isn't necessary to have a good time.

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Thursday, February 19, 2004

Diageo guilty of Hit-and-Run Advertising
The Marin Institute, CA, February 19, 2004
Responding to Diageo’s “Be Careful” ad campaign for Goldschlager Cinnamon Schnapps, the Marin Institute is urging people to send the major alcohol company a “Citation for Hit-and-Run Advertising.” The maker of Smirnoff, Guinness and other popular brands has an alarming pattern of approving promotional campaigns that violate its own advertising code, pulling the ads after receiving complaints, and then citing the action as proof of their own responsibility.

The “Be Careful” campaign features young-looking, mostly male models wearing protective gear in preparation for heavy drinking. This seemingly violates Diageo’s own statement that they will “…depict only moderate and responsible drinking,” and that models “…must look…25 years of age or older.”

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PACE proposes new bar legislation
UW Badger Herald, WI, February 19, 2004
University of Wisconsin PACE, Policy Alternatives Community and Education, representatives met with the Alcohol License Review Committee Wednesday to propose legislation that PACE believes curb binge-drinking.

If the city follows their advice, bars will be forced to eliminate late-night drink specials and educate their staff in recognizing fake IDs. However, the broader goal of the university's 10-year PACE Project is to create a campus culture less inclined to drink heavily.

Based on the data collected, PACE is taking what it calls an environmental approach, "a scan of what happens in the community that affects individuals' decisions on drinking," Crowley said.
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Legislators loathe to change laws regarding teen drinking
Daily Sentinel, CO, February 15, 2004
While state lawmakers are vehemently against underage drinking, elected officials have generally shied away from tweaking laws regarding the issue since the state followed suit with the rest of the nation in 1988 and prohibited those younger than 21 from buying alcohol.

Last week, a state House committee killed a bill that sought to take a bite out of underage drinking by tagging beer kegs with the buyer’s identification. It was almost a year to the day that another House committee killed a similar bill.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2004

'Big alcohol' fuels epidemic on campuses
Denver Post, CO, February 15, 2004
Everybody comes back to the fundamental problem sooner or later. At the University of Colorado, alcohol abuse is epidemic.

Liquor Mart is easy walking distance from campus and a major advertiser in the campus newspaper, the Colorado Daily.

Universities depend on the industry for contributions to subsidize programs and athletics facilities, Harvard professor Henry Wechsler says, while at the same time struggling to cope with the problems caused by widespread binge drinking.
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Media & Marketing -- Advertising: Courvoisier to Launch Clothing Line
The Wall Street Journal, February 15, 2004
COURVOISIER, the 170-year-old cognac brand, is taking its flirtation with the fashion world to the next level: It is launching a line of clothes.
...Courvoisier already has clear appeal with one influential fashion- world subset: the hip-hop world.

...Courvoisier even has its own hip-hop song, "Pass the Courvoisier," a hit from rappers Busta Rhymes and P. Diddy. Recent Courvoisier ads appeal to its newer urban fans.
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More on Industry Fashion

Addressing underage drinking problems
Mobile Register, AL, February 16, 2004
Dealing with underage drinking costs our country $54 billion a year. For these and other reasons, the Underage Drinking Task Force was formed two years ago to address the problem in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The Task Force's accomplishments thus far have included brainstorming meetings for community leaders, passage of local laws, training for local businesses that sell alcohol, media campaigns, youth conferences, and proposals to local and state legislative delegations.
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More on Underage Drinking

No tickets in alcohol-free zones
Mobile Register, AL, February 14, 2004
The first night that the city of Mobile enforced two new alcohol-free areas along the Mardi Gras parade route, it was a sober affair, with few complaints and the usual snatching and straining for throws.

The alcohol-free zones are a new initiative by Mobile officials who are trying to separate drinking from the city's largest street party -- at least along two blocks.
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Friday, February 13, 2004

Study Links Binge Drinking, Rapes on College Campuses
WTOP, DC, February 12, 2004
Women who attend colleges with a higher rate of binge drinking are more likely to be raped while intoxicated, according to a national study released in Thursday's edition of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol.

``If you give people a situation in which it's cheaper to get drunk than go to a movie on a weekend, you may induce some people to drink more than they would under other circumstances,'' he said.

Researchers said university officials have to do more to crack down on alcohol abuse among its student body and drop the attitude among some institutions that binge drinking is simply a ``harmless rite of passage'' for college students.
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More About Reducing Alcohol Problems on College Campuses

Alcohol at Chuck E. Cheese Angers Parent
Join Together, February 12, 2004
An Indiana man was shocked to learn that a new Chuck E. Cheese restaurant and game emporium in Muncie, Ind., can serve beer and wine, the Muncie Star Press reported February 11th.

"Children can eat pizza and play games in a so-called family setting," said Tuite. "Now this establishment wants to serve beer and wine to adults. That changes the perspective on 'family.' "
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Thursday, February 12, 2004

Highland hopes to curb sales before they start
New Utah, UT, February 12, 2004
A new county program to prevent alcohol sales to youth was presented at the Highland City Council on February 3rd.

The EASY or "Eliminate All Sales to Youth" program would provide training on the county level for employees who sell beer and be funded by a federal grant.

The program would mandate training for anyone selling beer. The employee would then get a certificate which could be revoked if they were caught selling to minors. A tracking system would make sure any employee with three offenses did not easily get a job at another establishment. Summers noted that after two years of the program being in place in Cedar City the number of DUI arrests for minors was reduced by half.
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Colorado University advises Greeks to stay dry
Colorado Campus Press, CO, February 12, 2004
CU promotes a “dry” Greek system, but national fraternity chapters allow alcohol at fraternity parties.

...Greeks took the suggested policy seriously. Even if drinking did not stop completely, they made an aggressive effort to control irresponsible drinking. Kegs are no longer allowed in Fraternity houses because they attract large crowds that are hard to control.
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Diageo's deal opens field for spirits sponsors
Advertising Age, January 26, 2004
Diageo has landed a top motor-sport sponsorship for Crown Royal, not long after being rejected by Nascar. The whiskey brand will be the title sponsor of the International Race of Champions.

The move gets Diageo closer to its long-term goal of leveling the marketing playing field with beer, which dominates the racing circuit, and could potentially pave the way for other spirit marketers.

This marks the first time a hard-liquor marketer has been allowed a title sponsorship for any sport...
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Tuesday, February 10, 2004

RUBÉN ROSARIO: Meth is a threat, but alcohol is even bigger one
St. Paul Pioneer Press, MN, February 9, 2004
A report last year by the National Academy of Sciences termed underage drinking the "nation's biggest youth drug problem." The report was attacked by the liquor industry, the same entity that bankrolled the expensive and witty beer ads during Super Bowl Sunday that, in small print at the bottom of the screen, informed viewers to "drink responsibly."

"Alcohol is the No. 1 abused drug in America and just because the majority may use it responsibly doesn't diminish at all the tremendous toll it takes across the country, from the urban centers to the quiet suburbs," added William Moyers, Hazelden's vice president of external affairs.
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Non-Binding Proposal Passes Unanimously
WFIE, IN, February 9, 2004
Evansville City Council members pass a non-binding resolution to ban liquor sales at convenience stores.

If the resolution is passed, it will not be binding. It would encourage alcohol boards to not permit liquor licenses in businesses like convenience stores, where minors sell the alcohol and the alcohol is easily accessible.
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Monday, February 09, 2004

Communities Seek Local Control Over Alcohol
The New Mexico Channel, NM, February 6, 2004
The streets of Santa Fe were flooded with protesters Friday, hoping to draw attention to their battle against booze.

The problems with alcohol in the Gallup, Zuni Pueblo and Navajo Nation communities have been well documented, and several hundred protesters marched on the Roundhouse looking for help.
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Alcohol tax increase fails in House committee
Aberdeen News, SD, February 6, 2004
PIERRE, SD - A proposal to increase the state alcohol tax by the equivalent of a nickel a drink failed in the House Taxation Committee on Friday. Supporters of the alcohol tax said counties need help to deal with rising costs of law enforcement, courts and other services.

Dick Howard, executive director of the state County Commissioners Association, said law enforcement makes up about 35 percent of the budget for all counties, and the majority of crimes are alcohol-related.
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Alcohol advertising studies deliver ‘quit marketing to our kids’ messages
Journal Review, IN, February 7, 2004
Eliminating alcohol advertising and raising the price of alcohol could virtually eliminate underage alcohol use and binge drinking, according to a new study released by the National Bureau of Economic Statistics.

The study, when coupled with a previous study done this year by the National Academy for Science, hits home, not only for those of us who know it is critical to stop underage drinking, but also for the alcohol industry, which responded to the NAS study with ridiculous counter-arguments.
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Friday, February 06, 2004

Local Reps Talk Town-Gown Issues
Cornell Daily Sun, NY, February 6, 2004
Noisy, reckless, drunken, off-campus recreation was the topic of discussion at last night's Campus-Community Coalition meeting.

Among the presenters was Leigh Ulrich, owner of Rulloff's, who promoted a server training program, designed to teach bar employees how to create healthy and legal drinking environments.

Marchell hopes that the spirit generated in this meeting will manifest itself in coalition efforts throughout the semester. Prospects for the future include a student forum on drinking related issues and discussions on recreational alternatives to binge drinking.
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More alcohol citations issued
Penn State Digital Collegian, PA, February 6, 2004
Fully staffed police and a new off-campus misconduct policy may be reasons for the rise.

Even though The Partnership alcohol campaign will take a long time to become effective among students, Lutz said it is a positive move because it will have the same effect the tobacco campaign has had over the last 10 years.

"We need our whole community to get involved: businesses, taverns, fraternities, which is where most underage drinking occurs, and apartment buildings to enforce the rules," State College Police Chief Tom King said.
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Local 'lock-in' aims to cut teen drinking
The Bay City Times, MI, February 5, 2004
...the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center this year helped organize Communities Addressing Alcohol Problems Together.

The group on Saturday plans a "lock-in" at the Bay County Civic Arena that will focus on alcohol-free fun and activities. Students from Essexville-Hampton Garber High School and Bangor Township John Glenn High School are helping out.

CAAPT's mission is to raise public awareness of teenage alcohol use, to mobilize the community to prevent underage drinking, and to promote responsible alcohol use by adults.
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Business owners show support for community coalition
Rocky Hill Post, CT, February 5, 2004
Recently Champions of Youth (the Rocky Hill Coalition to reduce Underage Drinking) held a training session for area businesses. John Suchy of the state Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division spoke to many business owners in town about alcohol permits and other interesting topics.

For example, if someone has a valid I.D., but the cashier thinks it is fake, and denies the person the purchase, Suchy's department will support/defend that action. "If your not sure, don't serve, don't make the sale," Suchy said.

He mentioned how it is someone's obligation to not serve or sell someone alcohol if that person is already intoxicated; in fact, it is against the law to serve such individuals.
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Thursday, February 05, 2004

$4 BILLION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST BEER GIANTS
Ad Age, February 4, 2004
WASHINGTON-- A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles yesterday against the world's two biggest brewers accuses the beer makers of advertising to minors and seeks $4 billion in disgorgement of profit.

The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against Anheuser-Busch Co. and SABMiller, takes advantage of two California laws. One bans advertising intended to influence underage drinking, and the other allows individuals as well as the state's attorney general to sue for violations of state consumer protection laws on behalf of the state.
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County mulls beer restrictions at fair
Daily Register, WI, February 5, 2004
The Fair Board has proposed banning alcohol from most areas of the fairgrounds in Westfield, except for the grandstand and beer stand.

Fair Board President Tony Christensen explained that the ban is primarily an attempt to curb underage drinking at the fair.
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Liquor law's role in post-Super Bowl riots is hotly debated
The Boston Globe, MA, February 4, 2004
Mayor Thomas M. Menino has blamed newly permitted Sunday liquor sales for helping to fuel post-Super Bowl riots in student areas, saying that young people were "able to run to the store when they ran out of beverage and stock up."

The mayor had said Monday that university officials must take more responsibility for the actions of their students. He also said that the Sunday sale of liquor, which began last year, made it easier for students to buy more alcohol.
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Resolve the alcohol issue
Delmarva Now Daily Times, MD, February 4, 2004
In the quest to save money for Wicomico County taxpayers and become self-sufficient, Wicomico Youth & Civic Center management has engaged in discussions with representatives of minor league hockey franchises, exploring the possibility of bringing a team to the area. But there is a major bump in the road...

A portion of the land upon which our Civic Center is built was donated to the county in 1946 for use as a youth recreation facility and war memorial by S. Franklyn Woodcock, who stipulated that no alcohol be "sold or dispensed" on the land.
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Wednesday, February 04, 2004

Taking Exception: Wine sales in groceries is a very bad idea
Pioneer Press, MN, February 3, 2004
In your recent editorial concerning legislation that would allow the sale of wine in grocery stores, you asked the question, "So, tell us, again, how the restriction on wine sales is so different (from other products)?"

The answer is simple. Wine is alcohol, and the improper use of alcohol causes problems.
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Smith takes 2nd shot at keg IDs
The Daily Sentinel, CO, February 3, 2004
State Rep. Matt Smith, R-Grand Junction, wants another round of legislative votes on a measure to require liquor retailers be able to track beer kegs.

Smith last year saw a similar measure defeated in committee and promised to back another measure this session or sponsor his own bill again to discourage drinking by juveniles.
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Council OKs festivals, but reservations about alcohol linger
The Grand Haven Tribune, MI, February 4, 2004
Council members Daryl Tammen and Geri McCaleb opposed the new festival's plans for a beer and wine tent in the Municipal Marina parking lot.

I can't believe this is a good thing for the community, and I also think it exposes the community to a risk," said Council member McCaleb just prior to council's vote Monday night.
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Mardi Gras minus beer on floats? Sacrebleu!
St. Louis Post, MO, February 3, 2004
For many revelers, beer and hurricanes are as much a part of Mardi Gras as beads and Cajun food. But this year, participants in St. Louis' two Mardi Gras parades may be banned from drinking on floats.

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Tuesday, February 03, 2004

Underage booze crackdown shows signs of corking it
Palm Beach Post, FL, February 2, 2004
They know they can't stop kids from drinking alcohol, but Martin County sheriff's officials are making it as tough as possible for underaged people to buy booze.
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It’s a step toward curbing underage drinking
Foster's Daily Democrat, NH, February 2, 2004
STA students played an important role in getting HB 464 to where it is.
All it takes now is for the House to concur with a voice vote of the state Senate to make it a misdemeanor for any adult to host an underage drinking party. The measure had passed the House of Representatives earlier.
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Report Details Liquor Groups' Giving
Santa Fe New Mexican, NM, February 1, 2004
... according to a report issued Friday by a government watchdog group...
"The alcohol industry and its allies have created an environment that is favorable to alcohol interests by lobbying and contributing to campaigns," said the report by Common Cause New Mexico.

"Without a change to this pattern, the alcohol industry will continue to have a disproportionate influence on the passage of laws in the state of New Mexico."...An increase in the tax on beer, wine and other liquor died last year during a special session of the Legislature.
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Still No Beer at Jones Beach Theater
Newsday, NY, February 3, 2004
The state commission that oversees the Tommy Hilfiger at Jones Beach Theater, NY, has a message for the promoter who wants to reintroduce the sale of alcoholic beverages at concerts: Put a lid on it.

Clear Channel Entertainment, which produces the summer series, began lobbying state officials last year for a reversal of the ban the state imposed on sales of alcoholic beverages at the theater in 1988 because of concerns about drunken driving and rowdiness.
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Monday, February 02, 2004

Martin, FL officials plan campaign against teenage drinking
Port St. Lucie News (FL), Mon, Feb 2, 2004
"Parents Who Host Lose the Most. Don't be a party to teenage drinking. It's against the law."

That's the message Martin County officials hope to drive home later this month with a public awareness campaign aimed at parents of teenage children, Assistant State Attorney Robert Belanger said. Belanger, Martin County's chief prosecutor, is helping to spearhead the county-wide education initiative
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Effort to cut teen drinking honored as success story
Connecticut Post (CT), Mon, Feb 2, 2004
STRATFORD - A five-year effort by the town to curb teenage drinking has been deemed a "success story" by a state coalition that will feature the program on its Web site. ...

"They really worked to bring together a diverse group of police officers, young people, community leaders, and local and state politicians" to fight the sale and consumption of alcohol to minors,"...
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Seekonk, MA selectmen nix liquor license proposal
Pawtucket Times, 01/31/2004
SEEKONK -- Confusion over proper ownership and concerns about alleged alcohol sales to minors prompted the Board of Selectmen to unanimously deny a transfer of a liquor license from one packagestore to a proposed new liquor warehouse located down the street.
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Michigan attorney general asks U.S. Supreme Court to decide alcohol law
The Detroit News, 01/30/04
Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether Michigan can continue to ban direct shipments of alcohol to residents...

...Supporters of Michigan’s law say it helps prevent Internet sales to teenagers...

“...If the lower court decision stands, it will open the floodgates ... and the state will have no effective enforcement mechanism to stop those in other states who sell to minors, avoid paying state taxes or refuse to adhere to other state laws,” said Michael Lashbrook, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.
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