NBWA applauds introduction of legislation to reauthorize the STOP Underage Drinking Act  

February 20, 2013

The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) applauds the introduction of H.R. 498, legislation to reauthorize the Sober Truth on Preventing (STOP) Underage Drinking Act, by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) along with Reps. Frank Wolf (VA) and Rosa DeLauro (CT). 

"The STOP Act is an integral part of the fight against underage drinking because it ensures that federal, state and local governments have tools and information they need to prevent alcohol purchase and consumption by those who are not of legal drinking age," said NBWA President & CEO Craig Purser.  "Reauthorization of the STOP Act is necessary to increase and better coordinate federal support for state efforts in the fight against underage drinking and to reaffirm the effective state-based regulation of alcohol."

The STOP Act, which became law in 2006 with NBWA's support, notes that alcohol is different than other consumer products and is best regulated by the states, consistent with the 21st Amendment:

Alcohol is a unique product and should be regulated differently than other products by the States and Federal Government. States have primary authority to regulate alcohol distribution and sale, and the Federal Government should support and supplement these State efforts.

Additionally, the STOP Act highlights health and safety concerns related to underage drinking and provides funding for state initiatives to address such problems.  The legislation authorized a national media campaign, new grant programs and research to combat underage drinking.  It also formally established and funded the federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), chaired by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to help coordinate the various federal agencies involved in alcohol issues.

The STOP Act has received broad bipartisan support, and it marked the first time in recent history that Congress and the executive branch joined together to coordinate activities to fight underage drinking.  When it was originally introduced in 2006, STOP was supported by the licensed beverage industry, alcohol control organizations and the public health community.

"The STOP Act is a solid example of the great things that can be accomplished when groups with different agendas work together to achieve a common goal," added Purser. 

Link: http://nbwa.org/news/press-releases/nbwa-applauds-introduction-of-legislation-to-reauthorize-the-stop-underage-drink 

Source: NBWA

Idaho: Cross-border liquor sales - 'Their mistake is our gain'     

February 13, 2013

Idaho's seen big boosts in sales in its state liquor division from Washington residents, division Director Jeff Anderson told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee today. "Sales along the border there are up probably 20 to 30 percent," Anderson said. "With the addition of the Stateline store, combined Post Falls/Stateline is tracking about plus-70 percent."

The sales got a boost when Washington's liquor prices spiked after the state's voters decided to privatize their state liquor system, but to keep all state taxes and fees in place. Rep. George Eskridge, R-Dover, asked, "As consumers in Washington get used to the convenience, I guess, of buying it out of the store, even though it's got a higher price, my question is, will we continue having the same advantage? Or will the Washington consumers adapt to their prices and elect to stay home?"

"It's difficult to predict," Anderson responded. "I can tell you we monitor about 13 stores along the border, from Lewiston up to Oldtown."

He said, "There are moves in the Washington Legislature, on the part of Costco and others, to try and repeal portions of how that whole system was implemented. But for the time being, we anticipate to continue to have additional business."

An example is the "super premium" Patron brand of tequila, Anderson said. "It sells for around $50. In Idaho, out the door, that's about $53. Pre-1183 (the Washington initiative), Washington State might have been maybe $56. So there was really no reason for a super-premium consumer to drive to try and find it at a lower price. Now, that same product in Washington can sell for as much as $75 to $80, when you add in all the taxes and fees. So when you think about the difference between $53 and $75, that's really what's driving this, is the premium/super-premium categories."

To read more, click this link: http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2013/feb/13/cross-border-liquor-sales-their-mistake-our-gain/ 

Source: Spokesman-Review

Wisconsin: Proposed underage drinking bill   

February 17, 2013  

State representatives are drafting new legislation to prevent people under 21 from being able to get a hold of alcohol, especially at house parties.

Current law prohibits adults from allowing those who are underage from drinking on "premises" but premises is only defined as establishments with alcohol permits, so houses are excluded. This proposed bill would allow law enforcement to cite those who host drinking parties for under-agers.

Dan Terrio, youth development manager with the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce says, "It's one thing to serve your own child which that's their choice but when you bring another person's child into your home and serve them you are now responsible and liable if something were to happen to them."

Link: http://www.nbc26.com/news/local/191612481.html  

Source: NBC 26

Pennsylvania increases underage drinking fine   

February 13, 2013

Quakers caught and convicted for underage drinking could be looking at steeper penalties this year.

Senate Bill 941, signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in October, raised the maximum fine for a first offense to $500 and the maximum for a second offense to $1,000. The old fines were $300 and $500, respectively. The increased fines went into effect on Dec. 24 of last year.

This is the first time the penalty for underage drinking has been raised since 1972.

"It's an important step in the state for the legislature to recognize the issue," Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush said.

Rush said that when the Division of Public Safety cites someone for underage drinking, the person is typically not cited for that offense alone. The underage drinking citation is usually in conjunction with another type of wrongdoing, like disorderly conduct.

"Universities have a few more tools in their toolbox" in regards to policing underage drinking, she said. At Penn, this means that many times when a student is cited for underage drinking, DPS also takes the issue to the Office of Student Conduct.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Jake Corman, whose district includes State College, home of Pennsylvania State University.

To read more, click this link: http://www.thedp.com/article/2013/02/pennsylvania-increases-underage-drinking-fine 

Source: The Daily Pennsylvanian