International Trade Deals Could Trump Alcohol Regulations

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Under two major trade partnerships currently in negotiation (the Transpacific Trade Partnership (TTP) and the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (T-TIP), corporations and other governments would be able to sue to remove federal and state alcohol regulations designed to limit excessive consumption and reduce alcohol-related harm. Small beer and wine producers from the European Union and their U.S. importers are already asking for a huge tax cut under the T-TIP, with more attempts to deregulate alcohol sales in the U.S. expected to follow. Congress is expected to approve a fast-track rule that would remove Congressional authority to amend trade deals under the agreements. The way to protect public health and safety and ensure that global alcohol corporations do not dismantle state alcohol regulations any further, is to exempt alcohol from all TTP and T-TIP provisions.