Project RAD header
Volume 29: June 28, 2010
Kroger Pushes its Pro-Alcohol Agenda for Sunday Sales in Indiana
KrogerLogoToday, Kroger announced a "new" push to expand alcohol sales to Sunday. Choosing its best friend in the media through Inside Indiana Business, Kroger has announced its rebranded Hoosiers for Beverage Choices agenda into a movement called "Change It!"
 
Wrapped in red, white and blue bunting for this year's campaign season, the announcement shouts that Hoosiers are being denied "freedom of choice."
 
We know Hoosiers are all a bit smarter than this, but Kroger shoppers will be the first to get hit up for support of the same tactic that's been used for two years running with little to no success in the Indiana legislature. 
 
Are you concerned for your community? If so, it's time to speak up.
 
TAKE OUR POLL TODAY:
 
Should Indiana sell alcohol on Sundays in retail outlets that include gas stations, convenience and grocery stores?
 
(The poll is on
SaveMySunday.com; scroll down to the right side of the page. And please share the link.)
 
From gas stations to grocery stores, this odd mix of retailers includes: Luke Oil, Circle K, Fastbreak, Hucks, Cowboy's Food Stores, McClure, Circle S Marts, Mac Food Mart, C.E. Taylor Oil, Meijer, CVS, Ricker's, Circle A, Ridgeway Petroleum, Freedom Express, Speedway, Fast Max, Super-Test, Kroger, Thorntons, Handy Dandy, Super Pantry, Marsh, and Village Pantry.
Progress Dallas group Funded by Kroger Wins Petition Drive
Dallas Alcohol Petitions
Dallas City Secretary Deborah Watkins announced last week that Progress Dallas gathered  "a sufficient number of signatures" to trigger a November 2 election regarding the sale of beer and wine throughout the city of Dallas.
 
Currently, much of Dallas is dry, with only some select areas in central Dallas designated for sales of alcohol in restaurants and retail outlets.
 
The referendum, if passed, would allow sales of beer and wine throughout Dallas at retail stores.
 
Progress Dallas is headed by Gary Huddleston, Kroger's director of consumer affairs for Texas. He is the media contact for all matters related to the pro-alcohol movement.
 
This has been a tight fight for citizen support and funded by the grocery store giant, according to published media reports.
17 Percent of Drunken Boating Accidents Result in Fatalities
Indiana State conservation officers made 15 boating while intoxicated arrests during last year's crackdown on drunken boating. The Coast Guard says drunken boating is a leading contributor of fatal boating accidents. It says 17 percent of boating deaths result directly from alcohol or drug use. Watch out if you're on the lake over the upcoming Fourth of July! DNR will be out in force to monitor for offenders.
Drug Free Marion County Awards Liquor Store with Good Neighbor Award
A Southside Indianapolis liquor store won a Good Neighbor Award from Drug Free Marion County.
 
Buck's Liquor at 3015 S. Meridian St. was nominated by Julie McGuire, a neighborhood resident.
 
"I am carded every single time I make a purchase there, even though they know that I am considerably over the age of 21," she wrote. "I see them card everyone making a purchase there. The staff is always friendly and courteous and helpful. I also saw someone trying to use a credit card in there and they did not have picture ID, so the store clerk turned them down and they left the store....They seem to always follow the laws."
 
Acknowledging the efforts of responsible businesses is an important part of increasing awareness of alcohol-related issues, says Nancy Beals, prevention project coordinator for Drug Free Marion County.
 
"We are pleased to name Buck's as our second Good Neighbor Award winner. As the mandatory carding law for off-premise-consumption goes into effect, it is gratifying to know that establishments such as Buck's already have established responsible sales practices. We thank them for regularly following our state's alcohol sales laws."
Connecticut Governor Candidates are Pro Sunday Alcohol Sales
Connecticut has been an alcohol-torn state for awhile. Click here for the latest in a recent debate between gubernatorial candidates.
Christian Leaders Say They Don't Drink Socially
Wine BibleSixty percent of evangelical Christian leaders say they don't drink alcohol socially, citing reasons including the desire to be a good leader and a history of alcoholism in the family, according to a survey by the National Association of Evangelicals released Thursday.
 
Four out of 10 evangelical leaders said they do drink alcohol socially, but many added comments such as "in moderation," "never in excess," "on special occasions," "occasionally," "rarely" and "infrequently."
 
For the full story, click here.
Liquor Stores Advising Customers of Mandatory Carding Laws
Indiana liquor stores have all received new signage telling customers about the new law that requires mandatory carding for customers of all ages. The new law is effective July 1. Store owners and operators have also been inviting local media to talk with their customers. No one is reporting a drop in sales or loss in customers since many started the practice several months ago.
Project RAD - Walgreens Crime IS a Reality (even in the suburbs)

Walgreens logo

Project RAD analyzed crime reports and found high incidences of violent crimes at many of the locations where the chain is seeking permits to sell alcohol. Those reports were largely discounted by the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Board in a recent round of permit approvals. We are very sorry to report that a robbery occurred at the suburban Nora store just this week. Our sympathies to the surrounding neighborhood. Click here for the update in The Indianapolis Star.
Project RAD
www.ProjectRAD.com