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State Senator Asks to Hear from Real Hoosiers |
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We were disappointed to hear a state senator this week talk about the "growing" support for Sunday alcohol sales by a group that calls itself Hoosiers for Beverage Choice. Those in the know understand this group is run and managed by lobbyist Matt Norris with The Corydon Group in Indianapolis who is paid to help clients like Walmart.
The notion that this group is actually looking out for consumer interests in Indiana (and being mentioned as doing so by a credible state senator) is disheartening.
 Sen. Jean Breaux told attendees at the Drug Free Marion County annual meeting that the group had gathered 10,000 signatures in 92 counties in support of expanded Sunday sales. She described the debate over Sunday sales as a "long standing debate with package stores and convenience stores."
For those who have been watching this group "convince" legislators of their cause, it is clear that the collection of anonymous online names gathered through a link online doesn't represent Hoosiers like those real folks gathered at the Thursday night meeting.
We hope that real Hoosiers with real voices share their concerns with Sen. Breaux as soon as possible, especially those in Center, Washington and Lawrence Townships (her constituents).
"There is a great deal of pressure and support (for Sunday sales). If you're opposed be vocal and outspoken," Sen. Breaux said.
At least one person attending the annual meeting did bring to her attention that many advocates, including those in the room, lined up to testify against Sunday alcohol sales at a summer study group last year.
To contact Sen. Breaux:
Call 317-232-9461 (direct to her Statehouse office) or Email: s34@in.gov. |
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Good Stuff in the Works from Drug Free Marion County |
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 Drug Free Marion County is ready to launch a billboard campaign this April (Alcohol Awareness Month) under this headline: Here's Where Kids Get Alcohol. As most studies show, underage drinkers get their liquor at home, from the homes of friends, and from older brothers and sisters. This is learned behavior. What are you doing for Alcohol Awareness Month?
Frank Straub, the city's new public safety director overseeing law enforcement agencies, was the keynote speaker at the annual meeting (and he spoke mostly about drugs, crime and gangs). But he did mention something that caught our ear and we agree with: "We get a lot of bang for our buck in the faith-based community. They extend the hands. And we can work in a way that doesn't disenfranchise the community.
DFMC also announced its grants and awards this year.
We wish them continuing success in all they do and glad we're working with them at Project RAD. |
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Are Alcohol Retailers Really Engaged? You Bet |
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Laura Carie, of Cardinal Liquors, is the current chairwoman of the Local Coordinating Council for Drug Free Knox County. More than 20 community leaders attend meetings of the LCC, which receives funding from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for community grants. We believe that Laura may be the only package store owner chairing a community group that brings together like-minded parties on alcohol regulations. Laura also personally rallied the community and organized more than 100 people to remonstrate in Vincennes when Walmart wanted to sell alcohol. She's remained active in alcohol regulation issues since. |
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Maryland Bans Alcohol Sales in State Forests |
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Alcohol is now banned in Maryland's state forests, according to the Associated Press reports. A Maryland state forester said his agency began phasing in the ban this month. Drinking in state parks became illegal last year. Koehn says alcoholic beverages will still be allowed at pavilions in state forests with a permit, but the permit will eventually cost $35. It is now free. He said the state is banning alcoholic beverages on all its public lands because those who drink excessively sometimes ruin the outdoor experience for others. |
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Indiana Media Highlight of the Week |
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 The Indianapolis Star continues to post some of the best commentary and editorials on alcohol regulations.
Here's a sample of a column by a teacher/scholar/former editor:
Andrea Neal's syndicated column on the struggles of neighborhoods: READ COLUMN |
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New National Study on Drinking |
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More than a quarter of youth aged 12-20 (27.6 percent) drank alcohol in the past month, according to a survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study shows that the underage drinking rates were as high as 40 percent in some states such as North Dakota and Vermont.
Click here to see where Indiana ranks in the study.
SAMHSA and the Ad Council launched a new series of national public service advertisements to encourage parents to talk to their children about drinking alcohol at an early age.
For more information and for coding to embed the PSA video on your Web site, click here.
Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado de prensa en Español. |
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Take our New Poll: Walgreens and Booze |
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Visit the Save My Sunday blog here and scroll down to take our new poll on the right side of the page. |
