State Bills Push Access to Stronger Alcohol Products

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Legislation in two states would make buying high-alcohol beer easier than ever. The Tennessee legislature passed a bill that would increase the allowable alcohol volume in beer sold at grocery and convenience stores from 6.3 to 10 percent. Ohio Rep. Dan Ramos's (D-Lorain) proposed bill would allow brewers to sell beer up to 21% ABV, up from the current 12%. Neither bill includes an excise tax increase on high-ABV beers, some of which have higher ABV than wine and some spirits, but will be taxed at a lower rate. Stricter regulation is warranted for products with high alcohol concentration because of their higher potential for excessive consumption and alcohol-related harm. Restrictions on pricing and availability are essential to keep such products, particularly youth-oriented alcopops, out of youth hands.

Read Alcohol Justice's model legislation for regulating size and alcohol content of malt beverages, including alcopops, here.