Oregon Privatization Ballot Initiatives Dropped

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Photo courtesy of oregonlive.com.

After failing to convince the Oregon Legislature to take up their cause, liquor privatization proponents dropped two November ballot initiatives to dismantle the state monopoly and allow grocery stores to sell liquor. Oregonians did not show much support for privatization thus far, despite the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and grocery chains Safeway and Fred Meyer pouring money into the privatization effort. Oregonians for Competition said they'll be back in the 2015 legislative session and if necessary, the 2016 ballot, but for now, the privatization battle is on hold.

NH Advocates Help Kill Alcohol Billboard Bill

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May 9, 2014

New Hampshire Youth to Youth members testifying before the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee on April 9, 2014.

The New Hampshire House acted to protect youth from alcohol advertising by killing SB 329, a bill that would have revoked a 25-year state ban on billboard alcohol advertising. Public health advocates were key to the bill's defeat, organizing a successful campaign that included youth testimony at a hearing before the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. “Community coalitions and local groups work daily to prevent and reduce underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption, we’re grateful to have the Legislature recognize and support those efforts,” Linda Saunders Paquette, executive director of the non-profit New Futures, said.

Read Alcohol Justice's letter in opposition to SB 329 here.