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NH Advocates Help Kill Alcohol Billboard Bill

May 9, 2014

nh house
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.

Federal, State Calls to Ban Powdered Alcohol

Sen. Charles Schumer Calls for Ban on Palcohol
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) calls for an FDA ban on dangerous alcohol products.

The U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), caused alarm in April when it mistakenly approved the label for Palcohol, a powdered alcohol product. Though powdered alcohol is made and used for food processing, its availability for public consumption would create potential for misuse and significant health risks. Lawmakers in several states have responded by proposing or suggesting bills to ban powdered alcohol, or demanding that the alcohol industry not sell it. U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) weighed in, calling on the FDA to intervene and ban Palcohol as well as other dangerous alcohol products, stating "This product cannot see the light of day."

Click here to see current proposed state and federal bills concerning dangerous alcohol products.

Take Action--tell the FDA to ban powdered alcohol products here.

Finland Bans Alcohol Branded Social Media Communication

Finland alcohol ad
Finnish public service announcement in support of a
ban on lifestyle alcohol marketing

In addition to its effective restrictions such as prohibiting alcohol advertising on public places to protect youth from overexposure, President Saulo Niinistö has ensured Finland's policies remain in line with the alcohol industry's marketing tactics. Finland recently amended its law to prohibit alcohol branded media communications starting in 2015. The industry targets youth through social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat, constantly searching for the next big thing while it contributes to increased risk of early alcohol use, binge drinking, and alcohol problems later in life.