Alexandria , Virginia – Yesterday at a meeting of the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) Board of Directors’ Management Committee, a resolution was overwhelmingly adopted to support effective underage drinking prevention legislation currently pending in the U.S. House and Senate. Additionally, the Committee moved to work closely with industry partners to gain support for this important legislation.

H.R. 864, otherwise known as the “STOP Underage Drinking Act,” as amended on July 19, includes several programs to prevent underage drinking. And of primary importance to beer distributors, the legislation also includes draft language acknowledging the important role of state-based regulation in the fight against underage drinking:

“…Alcohol is a unique product and should be regulated differently than other products by the states and federal government. States have primary authority to regulate alcohol and have a responsibility to fight youth access to alcohol and reduce underage drinking, and the federal government should support and supplement these state efforts. A state-based system of alcohol regulation from production through consumption is critical to addressing the issue of access to alcohol by minors. The continued regulation of alcohol by states with regard to the manufacture, importation, sales, distribution, transportation, storage, and retail practices is in the public interest and is central to fighting underage and abusive consumption. Furthermore, enforcement of current state and local laws including, but not limited to, minimum age drinking laws, zero tolerance laws, laws that restrict the supply and availability of alcohol, administrative driver license revocations, and laws that regulate the sale, marketing, and distribution of alcohol is essential to the effort to combat underage drinking.”

“Numerous states are facing challenges to their regulatory structure by those who want alcohol available anytime, anyplace and anywhere,” said NBWA Board Chair Phillip Short, president of P.A. Short Distributing in Hollins, Virginia. “But alcohol is a unique product. Effective state regulation is a critical component in keeping licensed beverages out of the hands of youth. This Act will support the states’ authority to regulate alcohol in the best manner for their citizens.”

NBWA Vice Chair Betty Buck, president of Buck Distributing Inc. in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, added, “Beer distributors are second to none in sponsoring effective programs to reduce underage drinking. As a mother of four, I take pride in the fact that we are part of the solution. Supporting this legislation is just one way we can ensure states have the tools they need to fight abusive consumption, underage drinking and drunk driving.”

H.R. 864 is co-sponsored by 76 representatives and its companion bill, S. 408, is co-sponsored by 23 senators. Bill sponsors have worked closely with interested third parties, including underage drinking and drunk driving prevention groups and those in the alcohol beverage industry, to address concerns and develop the current bill text which was disseminated on July 19.

NBWA will continue efforts to ensure industry concerns with the STOP Underage Drinking Act are considered. Ensuring that the licensed beverage industry has the opportunity to provide input on specific issues to pass an effective bill remains a priority.

“It is our hope that all of our allies in the licensed beverage industry can come together and support this legislation,” said NBWA President Craig Purser.