Center for Alcohol Policy

National Alcohol Experts: Alcohol is Different, Requires Effective Regulation

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:48:28 +0000

LANSING — Alcohol is different from other consumer products and requires different laws, a panel of alcohol policy experts said at a Center for Alcohol Policy forum this week in Lansing.

Brannon Denning, professor at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and CAP Advisory Council member, began the session by providing a global perspective on alcohol regulation, discussing factors that influence alcohol laws such as religion, ethnicity, climate and history. He recounted the history of America’s experience with alcohol, noting how unique it is for a product to be the subject of two constitutional amendments. America’s history of abuses with alcohol leading up to national Prohibition is important to remember, he argued, in order to understand why we have the state-based alcohol regulatory system that we have today.

“According to national polling, over three-fourths of people say they understand that alcohol is different and needs different rules,” Denning said.

Steven Schmidt, senior vice president of public policy and communications at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, provided a national perspective of current alcohol regulatory and safety trends and described broad themes driving deregulatory efforts, including anti-government sentiment, state budget shortfalls, big retailers, alcohol abuse apathy and consumer and media perceptions that alcohol is just like any other product.

“The three-tier system and alcohol regulation in the U.S. has worked very well,” Schmidt said, indicating that America does not experience large problems with bootlegging, counterfeit products or a black market, which have proven deadly in other parts of the world that lack an effective regulatory system for alcohol.

Michigan Liquor Control Commission Chairman Andrew Deloney explained how Michigan’s alcohol laws guide the commission’s operations and described the goals of the Snyder Administration of creating a simple and predictable process for licensing, a system of certainty for decision making based on statute as well as open and accountable operations.

Howard Goldberg of Willingham & Cote P.C. in East Lansing spoke about the history of legal decisions impacting Michigan alcohol law and noted that actions by the state legislature indicate that its members clearly care about public health and safety. He also cautioned that policymakers should be cautious when developing legislation to assist in-state breweries and wineries due to the potential of court challenges.

Pamela Erickson, President & CEO of Public Action Management PLC and former executive director of Oregon Liquor Control, reiterated the theme that alcohol is not like other products on the market, and it should be sold, marketed and handled with a great deal of care because there is a high cost to getting it wrong.

Erickson contrasted the balanced approach of the U.S. regulatory system with the United Kingdom, which deregulated alcohol over several decades so it is now sold almost anywhere 24 hours per day, is aggressively promoted and sold below-cost at supermarkets. As a result, she said, hospital admissions for alcohol-related problems in that country have doubled in just 10 years and death rates have doubled since 1991.

“It pays to be very careful when considering deregulation as it will be difficult to revert back,” Erickson said.

The forum, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” was the third and final session of the CAP’s 2012 Michigan Alcohol Policy Forum Series held at the Radisson Hotel Lansing.

Session One of the series, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” provided an overview of the alcohol industry in Michigan along with the impact of regulation. Session Two, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” explored the important relationship between alcohol regulation and alcohol law enforcement.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.

National experts to discuss alcohol regulation and safety at Thursday forum in Lansing

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:21:48 +0000

LANSING — National experts will discuss important alcohol regulation and safety trends affecting Michigan at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing on Thursday morning.

In addition to exploring alcohol regulation and safety trends, the panel of national experts will provide a global perspective on alcohol regulation, discussing factors that influence alcohol laws such as religion, ethnicity, climate and history. The panel will consider the history of America’s experience with alcohol and discuss what current polling says about the public’s present day views on alcohol regulation.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees should register at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org. Breakfast and registration begin at 7:30 a.m., with the program starting at 8 a.m.

The panel discussion, entitled “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” is the third and final session in the Center for Alcohol Policy’s 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series. Session One, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” provided an overview of the alcohol industry in Michigan along with the impact of regulation. Session Two, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” explored the important relationship between alcohol regulation and alcohol law enforcement.

What

“What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” the third and final session in the Center for Alcohol Policy’s 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series

Who

Andrew Deloney, chairman of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission
Brannon Denning, Center for Alcohol Policy Advisory Council member and professor at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law
Pamela Erickson, CEO of Public Action Management PLC and former executive director of Oregon Liquor Control
Howard Goldberg of Willingham & Cote P.C. in East Lansing
Steven Schmidt, senior vice president of public policy and communications at the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association

When

Thursday, May 3, 2012
- 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast/Registration
- 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks
- 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Panel Discussion

Where

The Radisson Hotel, 111 N. Grand Ave. in Lansing

Registration

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National Experts: Alcohol is Different, Requires Effective Regulation

admin — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:39:40 +0000

Alcohol is different from other consumer products and requires different laws, a panel of alcohol policy experts said at the third and final session of the Center for Alcohol Policy’s 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series in Lansing. Panelists included Andrew Deloney, Michigan Liquor Control Commission; Brannon Denning, Center for Alcohol Policy Advisory Council and Cumberland School of Law, Samford University; Pamela Erickson; Public Action Management, PLC; Howard Goldberg, Willingham & Cote, P.C., East Lansing, Michigan; and Steven Schmidt, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. Click here to download the presentation, or listen to panelist Pamela Erickson preview the event on WJIM radio here. Read more…

Law Enforcement Leaders: Michigan Must Put Public Safety First and Enhance Alcohol Safeguards

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:34:42 +0000

LANSING – Michigan must stand firm against trends that threaten to water down the state’s system of alcohol safeguards and regulations, and policymakers should consistently weigh public health and safety as a priority, a panel of law enforcement leaders said at a Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) forum this week. The forum, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” was the second of the CAP’s 2012 Michigan Alcohol Policy Series held at the Radisson Hotel Lansing.

Jerry Oliver – former Detroit Chief of Police, former head of the Arizona Liquor Control Commission and current member of the CAP Advisory Council – said he has seen firsthand the harm alcohol abuses can cause to a community. He recounted how, as a young patrolman, police calls would ramp up between 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. when alcohol consumption patterns and associated problems increased. Today, with easier access and more outlets selling alcohol, he said alcohol-related incidents requiring police response are a 24/7 problem.

“As a former police chief, there are two issues law enforcement is concerned with – availability and accessibility,” Oliver said. “We’re concerned about the new business models emerging in the marketplace that really work against responsible alcohol consumption.”

Oliver cited more instances of alcohol being available at fast-food outlets, movie theaters, “pubs” on wheels, car washes and other places as increasing the risk of alcohol-related problems and illegal minor consumption. This also increases the burden on law enforcement, which are already struggling to do more with less funding and resources, he said.

Laura Fitzpatrick of the Muskegon Alcohol Liability Initiative (MALI) and MCHP/Mercy Health Partners said local communities like Muskegon must proactively tackle alcohol issues. Fitzpatrick said MALI works hand-in-glove with community partners in Muskegon, once known as the beer-tent capital of the world.

The MALI organization was originally formed in 2008 in partnership with Muskegon businesses and organizations. It now coordinates law enforcement and prevention efforts. Fitzpatrick said local elected officials are important in this effort because they can pass tough local liquor ordinances. Their efforts ramped up after recent incidents in Muskegon, including a fatal drunk driving accident that killed three Muskegon youths and a house party that involved alcohol, a parent and 100 teens.

“We worked very hard to have safe festivals, safe drinking by responsible adults,” Fitzpatrick said. “We wanted to have compliance checks, we wanted to warn people. We enhance law enforcement patrols.”

Ingham County District Court Judge Don Allen, who also presides over Ingham County’s sobriety court, said enforcement of regulations, laws and safeguards are essential because of the strong public safety component. Allen said he presided over a case involving a drunk driving crash in Holt in January that killed four youths.

“There is nothing that saddens me more than cases of young people dying in incidents that are totally preventable,” Allen said. He also warned adults not to provide alcohol to minors, even for consumption at home, because prosecutors will bring charges.

Don McGehee of the alcohol and gambling division in the Attorney General’s office said the office strongly supports Michigan’s current system of alcohol safeguards.

Scott Ellis of the National Hospitality Institute and Penny Norton of the Prevention Resource Group also presented their perspectives on the important relationship between public safety and the enforcement of alcohol policies.

Session One of the series, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” was held on March 22 and provided an overview of the alcohol industry in Michigan along with the impact of regulation. The series will conclude with Session Three, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Radisson Hotel Lansing.

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Public Safety, Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation Focus of Session Two of Michigan Policy Series

admin — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:12:06 +0000

Alexandria, VA – The Center for Alcohol Policy will continue its 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at The Radisson Hotel Lansing in Lansing, Michigan.

Public safety is one of the most important issues influencing alcohol policy decisions and enforcement. New concepts can challenge current alcohol regulation and weaken regulatory resources. Session Two of the series, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” will explore the relationship between alcohol regulation and alcohol law enforcement.

Who/Speakers:
The Honorable Don Allen, Ingham County District Court
Scott Ellis, National Hospitality Institute, Lansing
Laura Fitzpatrick, Muskegon Alcohol Liability Initiative, MCHP/Mercy Health Partners
Don McGehee, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division, Michigan Attorney General’s Office
Penny Norton, FACE – The Prevention Resource Group
Jerry Oliver, former Police Chief of Detroit, Center for Alcohol Policy Advisory Council

What: 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series
Session Two: Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation

When: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast/Registration
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Welcome Remarks
8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Panel Discussion

Where: The Radisson Hotel Lansing, 111 N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48933

Registration: Register online for the forum series at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org. There is no cost to attend.

Session One of the series, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” was held on March 22 and provided an overview of the alcohol industry in Michigan along with the impact of regulation. The series will conclude with Session Three, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Radisson Hotel Lansing.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.

Law Enforcement Leaders: Michigan Must Put Public Safety First and Enhance Alcohol Safeguards

admin — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:36:16 +0000

The Center for Alcohol Policy continued its 2012 Michigan Policy Forum Series on April 18 with Session Two of the series, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation.” Michigan must stand firm against trends that threaten to water down the state’s system of alcohol safeguards and regulations, and policymakers should consistently weigh public health and safety as a priority, a panel of law enforcement leaders said. The series will conclude with Session Three, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” on Thursday, May 3, 2012, at the Radisson Hotel Lansing. Click here to download the Session Two presentation. Read more…

Industry Experts, Business Leaders: Michigan’s Alcohol System is Strong, Pro-Growth

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:55:07 +0000

Michigan’s existing system of alcohol regulations and safeguards has helped manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the beer and wine sectors succeed economically while balancing public safety and health priorities,according to panelists at a Center for Alcohol Policy forum in Lansing, Michigan. The forum, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” was the first of the CAP’s 2012 Michigan Alcohol Policy Series. Session Two of the series, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” will take place Wednesday, April 18, 2012; and Session Three of the series, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” will take place Thursday, May 3, 2012. Click here to download the Session One presentation. Read more here.

Industry Experts, Business Leaders: Michigan’s Alcohol System is Strong, Pro-Growth

admin — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:46:22 +0000

LANSING – Michigan’s existing system of alcohol regulations and safeguards has helped manufacturers, distributors and retailers in the beer and wine sectors succeed economically while balancing public safety and health priorities, panelists at a Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) forum said today.

Jim Hall, CAP Advisory Council member and former chair of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, credited Michigan’s forward-looking system of alcohol regulations with driving the growth of the local beer and wine industries, opening new markets and creating value.

Today, Michigan is home to more than 90 craft brewers, ranking the state fifth nationally. Michigan is also home to 178 wineries (ranking it eighth nationally), 130 distributors (sixth nationally) and more than 16,200 retail outlets for beer and wine. Altogether, the alcohol industry employs nearly 40,000 people statewide and has an economic impact of more than $5 billion each year.

“The alcohol industry in America is strong – and here in Michigan, you are a leader in creating jobs and economic impact,” Hall said.

The forum, “The Economic Impact of the Alcohol Industry in Michigan,” was the first of the CAP’s 2012 Michigan Alcohol Policy Series and featured presentations by Michigan’s leading craft brewer, Larry Bell, founder and CEO of Bell’s Brewery; Auday Arabo, president and CEO of Associated Food & Petroleum Dealers, representing more than 3,000 large and small retailers in Michigan; Mike Brown, partner at Carlin Edwards Brown, PLLC; Ed O’Keefe III, president of Chateau Grand Traverse Winery; and Mike Lashbrook, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, which represents nearly 60 family-owned beer and wine distributors.

Bell said the growth of Michigan’s domestic craft beer sector is the result of hard work, innovation, entrepreneurship – and a system that allows small brewers to compete on a level playing field with large producers.

That framework, also known as the three-tier system, requires alcohol producers to sell their products to independent, licensed distributors, who then sell the products to individual retailers such as grocery and liquor stores.

“The three-tier system in Michigan provides for a level playing field and allows small brewers to get their products to market,” Bell told the audience.

Today, Bell’s Brewery is the 14^th largest craft beer producer in the nation, producing more than 240,000 barrels a year. Bell said Michigan’s craft beer sector is also driving tourism through craft beer festivals and sports and arts sponsorships.

According to O’Keefe, Michigan’s wine industry is also experiencing tremendous growth, with 590,000 cases of wine sold in Michigan in 2011 (up from 334,000 cases in 2005).

Arabo said Michigan’s regulations have found the right balance between meeting the needs of businesses and the need to protect public health and safety.

“Michigan is the best of both worlds,” Arabo said. “From a retailer standpoint, it is a very good system.”

While he voiced support for updating an overly cumbersome licensing process in Michigan that dates back decades, Arabo cautioned against changes that impact public health and people’s safety – including possible proposals to increase the number of alcohol licenses.

“Just because you have more licenses, doesn’t mean you will have more sales,” Arabo said. “At the end of the day, we are all parents, grandparents, members of our community – and we have to be responsible. We’re not selling milk, eggs or bread. We’re selling alcohol.”

Session Two of the series, “Public Safety and Law Enforcement in Alcohol Regulation,” will take place Wednesday, April 18, 2012; and Session Three of the series, “What’s Happening in the World of Alcohol Regulation,” will take place Thursday, May 3, 2012. All sessions will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing.

Download the full Session One presentation here.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501c(3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.

New York Attorney Wins First Place in Center for Alcohol Policy Fourth Annual Essay Contest

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:56:22 +0000

The Center for Alcohol Policy is pleased to announce that Laura Napoli, an attorney from New York, New York, is the winner of its Fourth Annual Essay Contest. Napoli’s essay, “A Regulatory Roadmap: The Importance of Toward Liquor Control to Modern Alcohol Policy,” outlines how Toward Liquor Control explains why today’s state alcohol regulatory systems developed the way they did and provided a blueprint for many of the alcohol regulatory systems that are in place today. Click here to learn more.

New York Attorney Wins First Place in Center for Alcohol Policy Fourth Annual Essay Contest

admin — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:42:39 +0000

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Center for Alcohol Policy is pleased to announce that Laura Napoli, an attorney from New York, New York, is the winner of its Fourth Annual Essay Contest. Napoli’s essay, “A Regulatory Roadmap: The Importance of Toward Liquor Control to Modern Alcohol Policy,” outlines how Toward Liquor Control explains why today’s state alcohol regulatory systems developed the way they did and provided a blueprint for many of the alcohol regulatory systems that are in place today.

Toward Liquor Control is the result of a study commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in 1933, which provided a blueprint for states to follow when determining their alcohol regulatory systems following Prohibition. The Center republished the previously out-of-print book in 2011 to provide those interested in effective state-based alcohol regulation with a historical perspective and an understanding of why the system remains important today.

“The authors of Toward Liquor Control realized that national Prohibition simply could not function effectively in the America they knew,” Napoli’s essay states. “They understood that one of the main causes of Prohibition’s failure was the national government’s imposition of a blanket viewpoint on a nation made up of very diverse people. The authors therefore advised that future alcohol policies be developed based on a smaller set of viewpoints – for example, taking the views of all people in a given state or community into account.”

“Arguably the most important lesson Toward Liquor Control gives us today is to ‘keep it local,’” Napoli concludes.

Ryan Lozar, an attorney from San Diego, California, was named the second place winner in this year’s contest. Jeremy Carp, an undergraduate student at Macalester College, and Ashley Watkins, a law student at Duke University, tied for third place.

The winning entrants receive prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The contest is intended to foster debate, analysis and examination of state alcohol regulation. The topic of the 2011 contest was “The Importance of Toward Liquor Control to Modern Alcohol Policy.”

“Toward Liquor Control reminds readers of the challenges associated with alcohol sales and consumption before Prohibition and how today’s state-based regulatory system was established to encourage responsible alcohol consumption and promote competition while maintaining public health and safety,” said CAP Advisory Council member and Samford University Cumberland School of Law Professor Brannon Denning. “This year’s essay contest gave citizens from across our country the opportunity to study this publication and provide their insights on how many of the issues addressed in Toward Liquor Control still face policymakers today.”

The book Toward Liquor Control can be purchased online at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org. It is also available as an iBook through Apple’s iBookstore, a NOOK book from Barnes and Noble and other popular e-book formats.

To read the winning essays, please visit http://www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org/essay-contest.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c(3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation. By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption. For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org or follow the Center on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlcoholPolicy.