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National Survey Finds Broad Public Support for Alcohol Regulation

A new bipartisan national poll conducted for the Center for Alcohol Policy recently found that "Americans overwhelmingly agree that alcohol is a unique product that is not like other consumer goods, which is why they believe it needs to be treated differently." Of the 1,010 adult respondents, 72% said that states should regulate alcohol because it is different from other consumer goods, and 78% support the current drinking age of 21 or older. A full 72% believe that the United States should not follow the example of the UK and remove alcohol regulation. To read the full study, click here.

Alcohol Ads on Public Property: A Victory & Next Steps in MA

Congratulations to members and supporters of SAFE-MA, and officials from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, as the ban of all alcohol advertising on MBTA property went into effect July 1, 2012! SAFE-MA educated T officials about the dangers of alcohol advertising to youth, and the T listened to their concerns.

There is still work to do and next steps toward a statewide ban on state property. HB 851 got farther than it had previously, but unfortunately halted in the House Committee on Ways & Means. Please continue to join SAFE-MA's efforts to limit alcohol advertising exposure to Massachusetts youth.

Take Action: Tell CA Governor Brown to Veto SB 778

Bud-Sweepstakes

In stunning denial of the public health and safety threats of encouraging more alcohol consumption, the California State Legislature has passed SB 778 - a bill to allow sweepstakes and contests promoting alcohol sales in the state. ”We are deeply disturbed by this election year gift to Big Alcohol,” stated Alcohol Justice Public Affairs Director Michael Scippa. “We are calling upon Governor Brown to veto this irresponsible measure because overturning the state’s existing ban on alcohol-related contests will lead to increased over-consumption and increased public health and safety costs.” Click here totake action now: Tell Governor Brown to veto SB 778!

Wine Institute Gets $60 Million in Federal Subsidies for Marketing, Travel

A new government oversight report recently released by U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) opened the lid on the federally-funded Market Access Program, revealing ways that more than $2 billion in taxpayer dollars are used each year to subsidize advertising & promotion costs of some of the most profitable American corporations & trade groups doing business overseas.

One of the largest single recipients of these federal dollars is the Wine Institute - a major trade association for the California wine industry, which already soaks in $17.9 billion in annual sales. The Wine Institute received nearly $7 million in taxpayer dollars from the Market Access Program in 2012, and raked in more than $60 million over the past decade.

Just what have American tax dollars funded for the Wine Institute? A myriad of travel expenses for wine industry representatives including wine festivals and tastings in London, Denmark, and Dublin, and “educational" wine tastings in Mexico. The report calls for an end to "bounty of waste, loot, and spoils plundered from taxpayers."

Click here to read the full Treasure MAP report.