Alcohol News January 2004

Friday, January 30, 2004

Female Excessive Drinkers at Risk for Heart Disease
Join Together Direct, January 29, 2004
Women who consume two or more alcoholic drinks daily are 57 percent more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than moderate drinkers, the Scotsman reported January 27.

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Fest plans to reclaim 'Cinco'
The Cincinnati Enquirer, OH, January 29, 2004
NORWOOD - Dismayed by the use of Cinco de Mayo as an excuse for drunken melees, two Hispanic businessmen this week unveiled plans for a Latino festival May 1-2 at Coney Island.

"I would hate for a beer company to make money with my culture and my traditions," the organizer said.

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Anti-drug ads hit the mark; Legislature misses it in cutting budget
The Herald Tribune, FL, January 30, 2004
This Sunday, during the Super Bowl, companies such as Anheuser-Busch will spend $2.3 million for 30-second ad spots extolling the virtues of alcohol. Millions of kids will watch those ads.

"Children and teenagers see 1,000 to 2,000 alcohol ads on primetime television every year, and drinking is always portrayed as normal and with no adverse consequences," says University of New Mexico pediatrician Victor Strausburger.

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Super Bowl Might Mean Alcohol Ordinance For City
News 4 Jax, Fl, January 29, 2004
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Super Bowl XXXIX will bring big crowds and big parties to Jacksonville in 2005. Game time next year could turn one stretch of downtown into something like an open bar, with impromptu bars lining the riverfront.

To ensure all of the celebrating happens safely, a plan will soon be submitted to the City Council, offering perks to businesses that train their employees in alcohol safety.
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Thursday, January 29 , 2004

Survey links Super Bowl Sunday, alcohol-related deaths
Houston Business Journal, TX, January 26, 2004
AAA Texas said that the risk of alcohol-related deaths and injuries increases on Super Bowl Sunday, according to research the organization conducted.

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Police Intensify Effort To Curb Underage Drinking
WUSA 9 News, DC, January 28, 2004
DC police are now using minors with increasing frequency at restaurants and nightclubs as they seek to crack down on businesses selling alcohol to those under the age of 21. ...The operation is one example of a comprehensive campaign to curb underage drinking, drunken driving and other alcohol related crimes.

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Group wants Iowa Legislature to require tracking of beer kegs
The Daily Nonpareil, IA, January 28, 2004
DES MOINES - A group is lobbying Iowa's senators and representatives to pass a bill that would require alcohol wholesalers to assign a tracking number to each keg of beer and require purchasers to sign for it.
The law would essentially place responsibility on the adult purchasing the keg to keep the alcoholic beverage out of the reach of those who are underage.

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San Francisco Nightlife law may open doors for teens
The Examiner, CA, January 26, 2004
...The law, if passed, would end -- for a larger number of permitted clubs -- the practice of kicking out young adults at 2 or 2:30 a.m. It would also allow extended-hours permits for coffee houses and other venues that don't serve alcohol but do provide entertainment such as poetry readings, live music and DJs.
...Dufty's proposed legislation will open up the extended-hours permitting process to food-serving clubs that charge a cover, and to alcohol-free places of entertainment.
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Wednesday, January 28 , 2004

ONDCP Links Drugs, Drinking in New Ads
AdWeek, January 26, 2004
The prospect of including alcohol in the anti-drug media campaign first surfaced in 1998, when Mothers Against Drunk Driving lobbied heavily for such a move. At the time, then-drug czar Barry McCaffrey argued that not enough money was available to produce effective campaigns targeting both alcohol and drugs. The current media-campaign budget is $150 million.

The issue came up again in September following the release of a National Academy of Sciences study that called for the inclusion of alcohol in the anti-drug campaign. "Parents tend to dramatically underestimate underage drinking generally and their own children's drinking in particular," the study said.
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Tougher Penalties Aren’t the Only Solution to DWI Problem
Santa Fe New Mexican, NM, January 26, 2004
Gov. Bill Richardson recently outlined his proposal to the Legislature for reducing drunken driving. This proposal was praised by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others, including the editor of the Albuquerque Journal. And while increased penalties may affect some would-be impaired drivers, previous research on combating drunken driving demonstrates that a more comprehensive approach has a better chance to change behaviors on a community-wide basis.

Enforcing server training and laws that restrict service to intoxicated patrons could change that. Political leaders should be reminded that if they really want to do something, the most effective strategies for reducing alcohol-related crashes involve limiting or restricting alcohol sales and vigorously enforcing alcohol-beverage laws, including the prohibition on sales to minors.
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Fans sing praises of karaoke San Mateo police chief defends 45-day ban on private booths
San Francisco Chronicle, CA, January 28, 2004
Last week, at Manheimer's urging, the San Mateo City Council enacted a 45- day ban on private rooms in karaoke bars because of complaints about prostitution and alcohol abuse at such establishments in San Francisco, San Bruno and other local cities. The Police Department's phones haven't stopped ringing since.
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Maumee OKs sale of alcohol at theater
The Blade, OH, January 28, 2004
An agreement between Maumee city officials and National Amusements will allow alcoholic beverages to be sold at the company’s Showcase Cinemas Maumee.

After National Amusements officials announced plans last year to sell alcohol, city officials complained that it could lead to alcohol being consumed throughout the theater. City officials wanted the theater to remain "family friendly" because many people under 21 go there.
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Tuesday, January 27 , 2004

Grocers to try again for wine sales
Pioneer Press, MN, January 26, 2004
The Minnesota Grocers Association said Monday it will go back to the Minnesota Legislature this year for a fourth try at changing state law so supermarkets can sell wine along with groceries.
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Schneider: Billboards rile, amuse passers-by
Lansing State Journal, MI, January 26, 2004
"The alcohol industry's $4 billion annual advertising budget ... influences young people to believe that 'everybody' drinks, and that people who drink have sex.

"As a citizen of this community who has to deal with problems associated with alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases, I feel it is irresponsible of Adams Outdoor Advertising and Sechs beer to continue to advertise in this manner."
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Constables look to crack down on alcohol sales to minors
The 1960 Sun, TX, January 21, 2004
Harris County Precinct 4 Constables are in the process of applying for a grant that would enable their reserve officers to start on a project to lower the amount of alcohol sold to minors.

"Our goal is to reduce underage drinking and to raise awareness of alcohol-related problems among teenagers," Sgt. Mary Krebs said at a recent meeting of the Northwest Chamber of Commerce Crime Awareness Committee.
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Paying the price for alcohol's toll
SFGate, CA, January 27, 2004
As a matter of economic analysis, alcohol and tobacco carry high societal price tags. While recent litigation and settlements have succeeded in shifting some of the costs associated with tobacco use to cigarette companies, the alcohol industry has essentially managed to escape payment of analogous expenses.

Given the increasing need to reduce public spending, it is time to extend the same liability to the alcohol industry and for shareholders to replace taxpayers as the group principally responsible for payment of expenses underlying the alcohol industry's profits.
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Monday, January 26 , 2004

Bernalillo County, NM, cracks down on alcohol sales to minors
KOB-TV, NM, January 25, 2004
Six establishments in Albuquerque’s North Valley were targeted in a sting by Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies, who were cracking down on businesses that sell alcohol to minors...
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Real Media Riffs
Media Post, NY, January 23, 2004
...The Riff, for one, is little surprised to see all the hubbub surrounding an endorsement deal for another distilled spirit, Allied Domecq's Malibu rum brand, which recently signed reggae singer Shaggy to plug its brand.

In letters to the Federal Trade Commission and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the Center for Science in the Public Interest said the endorsement deal was designed to appeal to teens, a charge, which if true would violate alcohol marketing regulations...
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57 families make Safe Homes Pledge
Peppererll Free Press, MA, January 23, 2004
The Groton Dunstable Alliance for Youth (GDAY) has announced that as of this month, 57 families have made the Safe Homes Pledge for the current school year. When a family makes the Safe Homes Pledge, they are making a public promise to:

* Not serve or allow the illegal consumption of alcohol by anyone under the legal drinking age on their property...
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Friday, January 23, 2004

Early alcohol votes show interest
Daily Morning News, TX, January 22, 2004
With early voting off to a brisk start in the northern Rockwall County alcohol election, literature from both sides is beginning to appear in mailboxes.

The brightly colored pieces – some touting increased city tax revenue, others warning of alcohol- related crime and other problems – cap a campaign costing thousands of dollars that dates to mid-2002.

Voters have an opportunity to help decide whether beer, wine and liquor sales will be allowed at stores in county commissioner Precincts 1 and 4, an area that stretches from Royse City to Rowlett...
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State Alcohol Official to Check on Party Scene
Los Angeles Times, January 23, 2004
The boozy Friday night party scene in Isla Vista is getting close scrutiny by the head of the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control...
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Ordinance could require rowdy bars to close early
Daily Vanguard, OR, January 21, 2004
A proposed city ordinance spearheaded by Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard may make Portland the first city in Oregon with the power to tell businesses when and how they can sell alcohol.

Intended to help reduce "nuisance" activity, such as fighting, noise disturbances and littering around bars, convenience stores and other businesses that sell alcohol, the "Time, Place and Manner" ordinance would allow the city to place restrictions on businesses with a history of complaints...
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Thursday, January 22, 2004

State to study raising liquor tax
Asbury Park Press, NJ, January 21, 2004
TRENTON -- Higher prices for beer, wine and liquor loomed anew yesterday when the Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse accepted for further study a suggestion to raise the excise taxes on the libations...
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N.M. City Fails in Effort to Limit Alcohol
Join Together, January 22, 2004
Gallup, N.M., officials were unable to reach an agreement with local liquor dealers on a proposal that would have limited alcohol sales in an effort to address chronic alcoholism, the Associated Press reported January 14.
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Raised on Radio: Underage Youth More Likely to Hear Alcohol Ads on Radio Than Adults, According to CAMY
U.S. Newswire, January 22, 2004
WASHINGTON -- More than a quarter of radio ads for alcohol in the summer of 2003 would not have been in compliance with the alcohol industry's revised marketing codes announced in September 2003, a new study by the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) at Georgetown University finds.
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Coventry, CT, considers fines for those who give minors alcohol
The Chronicle, CT, January 22, 2004
COVENTRY -- Teenage memories may no longer include keg parties with high school friends if a new ordinance targeting underage drinkers on private property is passed...
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Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Lawrence (KS) commissioners to discuss plan to limit alcohol sales downtown
The Associated Press, January 19, 2004
LAWRENCE -- The Lawrence city commission will discuss ways to slow the proliferation of downtown businesses that sell alcohol, saying the growth of drinking establishments is changing the character of the area...
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City considers 'alcohol-free' festival zone
The Mobile (AL) Register, January 21, 2004
Mobile city, AL, officials are considering creating an "alcohol-free zone" along the Mardi Gras parade route, and police would ticket booze-consuming revelers in that marked-off area...
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Columbia Falls (MT) clerks pass alcohol-sales tests
The Daily Inter Lake, January 21, 2004
A new round of checks to see if businesses are selling alcohol to underage drinkers in Columbia Falls, MT showed a dramatic turnaround...
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Tuesday, January 20, 2004

Agency enlists 6 groups in underage-drinking fight
Toledo Blade, Ohio, January 20, 2004
A Columbus nonprofit agency that promotes drug-free communities has awarded 24 grants totaling $60,000 statewide, including six in northwest Ohio, for a public awareness campaign of the problem of adults providing alcohol to underage youths...
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Outdated law results in stronger drinks and more dangerous roads
The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, January 19, 2004
The South Carolina House of Representatives passed a bill in the first week of this year's legislative session that would replace the minibottle law. The Senate should act quickly to concur.

Current state law requires bars and res-taurants to prepare drinks using minibottles. This is the only state with such a law.

That law ensures that South Carolina has stronger drinks than the rest of the nation. And that fact may be a factor in the state's high traffic death rate...
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Friday, January 16, 2004

Mokena, IL may ban liquor sales by pharmacies
Chicago Tribune, January 16, 2004
Mokena officials are considering an ordinance that would ban liquor licenses for businesses that do not deal primarily in food or alcohol, effectively denying a license application submitted last month by the local CVS drug store...
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CSPI Urges College Presidents to Help Break Tie Between Sports and Alcohol Ads
Join Together Direct, January 15, 2004
The Campaign for Alcohol-Free Sports TV recently wrote to every president and every athletic director in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), requesting endorsement of the "College Commitment," a pledge to support reform in alcohol advertising at individual schools, at the conference level, and within the NCAA. Ohio State University, home of the 2002 national college football champions, became the first school to sign the commitment...
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Inver Grove Heights (MN) Council to vote on new liquor license fees
Sun Newspapers,January 15, 2004
Could the price of a beer be on the rise in Inver Grove Heights, MN?
That question may be answered in a couple of weeks when the City Council decides if it will amend the city code to raise liquor license fees...
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State targets Stearns' alcohol-related deaths, MN
St. Clouds Times, January 16, 2004
ST. PAUL -- Stearns County was one of 13 Minnesota counties that accounted for more than half of the state's drunken-driving-related deaths in a three-year period, the Department of Public Safety said Thursday.

The state will try to lower the rate in the counties by implementing the Alcohol Concentrated Enforcement program. The program will provide law enforcement and public education resources to the counties.

"A small portion of our state is making up a large majority of impaired-driving deaths," Office of Traffic Safety Director Kathy Swanson said. "Our goal is to make all Minnesota roadways safe, but we must focus on the worst areas to save the most people."
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Thursday, January 15, 2004

Alcohol problems cost Madison, WI, $1.37 million
The Capital Times, January 15, 2004
The Madison Police Department hopes that a report estimating it spends $1.37 million a year responding to alcohol-related problems at bars and restaurants will be a wake-up call to the city to enact regulations governing nightclubs.

"The real crux of the matter is that now, anyone at any time can decide to turn into a nightclub," said Sgt. Emil Quast, who prepared the report.

"We're not saying don't give out liquor licenses. We'd just like to see reasonable regulations."
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Teen drinking bill, born of a mom's grief, loses
The Sacramento Bee, January 14, 2004
...the Assembly Health Committee in California voted down a bill to help curb teenage drinking...

...it would have assessed a fee on beer and distilled spirits makers to fund community-based alcohol recovery centers for teens...

...The bill failed 9-9, with seven members not voting. It needed a majority to pass. Legislators voting against it said they could not support creating a new program when the state is deep in debt.
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Low-carb beer is the biggest thing to hit breweries since light beer
The Associated Press January 13, 2004
Cutting calories used to be enough for U.S. beer makers to lure Americans watching their waistlines.

Now they have to count carbs, too. But they’re not complaining.

Not since Miller made light beer socially acceptable with its "tastes great, less filling" campaign has the beer industry been as excited as it is now about a growing line of low-carbohydrate beers.
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Board of aldermen bans sale of alcohol at festivals
Jan 13, 2004 The Natchez (MS) Democrat
VIDALIA - Vidalia aldermen on Tuesday passed an ordinance to ban the sale of alcohol by vendors at festival sites with the town limits.

The ordinance was originally introduced at the board's Dec. 9 meeting, just after aldermen scrapped a proposed amendment that would allow them to grant liquor licenses to public festivals.

The sale of alcohol at public festivals especially became an issue before last year's Jim Bowie Festival.
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