About the Center for Alcohol Policy

Center for Alcohol Policy

Value Statement

In 2006, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed legislation addressing problems associated with underage drinking. This legislation, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act-PL #109-422), recognizes the primary role that the states play in regulating alcohol. The Center draws inspiration from language in the STOP Act:

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.

States also have a responsibility to fight youth access to alcohol and reduce underage drinking. Continued State regulation and licensing of the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, transportation and storage of alcoholic beverages are clearly in the public interest and are critical to promoting responsible consumption, preventing illegal access to alcohol by persons under 21 years of age from commercial and non-commercial sources, maintaining industry integrity and an orderly marketplace and furthering effective State tax collection.

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Center is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and its regulation. By conducting sound research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption of alcohol, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs the key entities and the public about the effects of alcohol consumption.

The Advisory Council

The Advisory Council shall be comprised of distinguished leaders from areas such as education, business, government, law enforcement, health and public policy who are committed to the regulation and safety of alcohol. Advisory Council members should possess an understanding of and a desire to protect each state’s ability to control alcohol for legitimate public purpose. The individuals provide leadership and advise the Center in the areas of research and education. They work to educate the media, policy makers, state regulators, educators and the public about the regulation of alcohol, safe and responsible consumption of alcohol, underage drinking, drunk driving and the effects of alcohol consumption.

The Center for Alcohol Policy is affiliated with the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA).

For more information, please e-mail info@centerforalcoholpolicy.org.


Center for Alcohol Policy
1101 King Street Ste 600-A Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 519-3090 info@centerforalcoholpolicy.org