Alexandria, VA – The Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) is proud to announce its partnership with PBS station WETA in Washington, D.C., to sponsor the upcoming documentary Prohibition in the Washington, D.C., media market.  This three-part, five-and-a-half hour film series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tells the story of the rise, rule and fall of the 18^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the era it encompassed. The series will premiere October 2 – 4 on PBS stations across the country.

“The Prohibition series will shine a national spotlight on the important role Prohibition played leading up to the 21^st Amendment, which established today’s effective system of alcohol regulation and distribution,” said CAP Advisory Council member and former Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch.  “Viewers of Prohibition will learn about the failures of this one-size-fits-all national alcohol policy and how it gave rise to a state-based system of alcohol controls.  It’s important for citizens to understand that the repeal of Prohibition is not the end of the story – it’s where the story of today’s successful system began.”

CAP Advisory Council member and former police chief and state alcohol regulator Jerry Oliver continued, “Unlike other nations around the world that are making headlines for unregulated or unsafe alcohol, the United States maintains a state-based system of alcohol regulation that has been extremely effective at supporting robust marketplace competition while at the same time promoting public safety.  The Center is excited to take part in this look back at our nation’s history and discussions of how society should regulate alcohol – a product that can have benefits in moderation but can also be abused.  This attention to the history and origin of America’s state-based alcohol regulatory system is very timely to the Center’s recent republication of Toward Liquor Control, which helped guide alcohol policy in the states post-Prohibition.”

To learn more about Toward Liquor Control, the featured topic of this year’s Center for Alcohol Policy’s Annual Essay Contest, please visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

###

 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.

CHICAGO, IL – The Fourth Annual Center for Alcohol Policy Alcohol Law Symposium kicked off day two in Chicago, Illinois, with a panel discussion titled, “Controversial Alcoholic Products.” Speakers included William H. Foster of the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB); Bruce Livingston from the non-profit alcohol industry watchdog Alcohol Justice; Donald S. McGehee of the Michigan Department of Attorney General; and Stephanie Stumbo of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.  As recent news headlines have brought renewed attention to some controversial alcoholic products – from grain alcohol to large containers to high alcohol products – the panelists discussed industry responsibilities as well as the role of state and federal regulations.

A panel entitled “Hot Topics in Alcohol Regulation” highlighted a wide variety of issues and challenges facing state alcohol regulators and attorneys, from budget pressures to understanding which proposed laws would be subject to legal challenge.  Former Rhode Island Attorney General and current Center for Alcohol Policy advisor Patrick Lynch moderated the panel, which included William Kelley of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and President of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators; and Stephanie Stumbo of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.  Each panelist drew from their own professional experiences to discuss issues their states have been facing in 2011.

The Symposium concluded with a panel on “Franchise Law Policy and Developments,” which featured Michael Madigan of Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, P.A.; and David Raber of Lumpe and Raber, Esq.  The attorneys offered insights on recent actions related to the relationships between alcohol suppliers and alcohol distributors, and they highlighted potential future activities in this important area of alcohol codes.

More details on speakers, education session topics and the Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

###

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.

CHICAGO, IL – The Fourth Annual Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Alcohol Law Symposium kicked off Monday, September 12, with remarks by CAP Advisory Council member and former Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch. “This gathering is a key opportunity for state alcohol regulators, public health advocates, members of the alcohol beverage industry and others interested in alcohol policy issues to come together to learn and share ideas,” said Lynch.

Washington Attorney General and National Association of Attorneys General President Rob McKenna delivered a keynote address on the role state attorneys general (AGs) play in regulatory, law enforcement and public health functions.  He addressed the “unprecedented levels of youth exposure to alcohol marketing,” especially in today’s age of digital and social media.  He referenced studies that show exposure of young people to alcohol marketing can speed up the onset of drinking and increase the amount consumed by those already drinking.

“AGs have an obligation to protect our youngest citizens – as well as responsible businesses – from potentially-unfair marketing practices by some in the industry who place short term profits and market share over the lives of our young people and public health,” explained McKenna.  “That’s why AGs want to ensure a fair and level playing field for companies to compete.”

Alcohol regulators, law enforcement, a professor of alcoholic beverage law, public health advocates and alcohol law attorneys spoke on panels about topics including:

• The Timeless Importance of Toward Liquor Control
• Who are the Stakeholders in Alcohol Regulation?
• Age Verification and Alcohol
• Privatization of Alcohol Systems
• Law Enforcement’s Role in Alcohol Regulation
• Supreme Court and 21^st Amendment Roundup

The Fourth Annual CAP Alcohol Law Symposium continues Tuesday, September 13, at The Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. More details on speakers, education session topics and the Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

For live updates from the event, follow @AlcoholPolicy on Twitter using the hashtag #CAPLaw.

###

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.