197641 Healthy alcohol marketplace

Monday, November 9, 2009: 5:42 PM

Pamela Erickson , Public Action Management, PLC, Scottsdale, AZ
     
After Prohibition, each state set up a regulatory system for the production, distribution, marketing and selling of alcohol. All states have some variant of a three-tiered system where market segments (retail, wholesale, manufacturing) are separated. This system has served to keep alcohol problems in check. However, the system is poorly understood by policy makers and subject to erosion by those who advocate for “free markets.” This presentation seeks to explain why we need special regulations for alcohol and how some standard business practices can create social harm. Examples of relatively “free markets” in Great Britain and Brazil will be portrayed to illustrate what can happen in a “free alcohol marketplace”. Finally, the elements of a healthy alcohol marketplace will be described including how they work in today's global environment. Threats to this regulatory system will be illustrated as regulatory bodies contend with lawsuits and law-makers are urged to "modernize" their systems.

Learning Objectives:
1) Explain why we need special regulations for businesses that sell alcohol 2) Describe how some normal business practices can create social harm 3) Explain how the "three-tiered system" keeps our alcohol marketplaces healthy 4) Explain the threat in Oregon and Washington states

Keywords: Alcohol, Alcohol Problems

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: My expertise in alcohol regulation policy comes from seven years service as Director of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (the state regulatory body) and six years as an alcohol and drug abuse prevention professional. I have a batchelor's degree in political science from Portland State University and a Master's Degree in Government from Georgetown University. I have designed and operated several public education campaigns on topics of underage drinking and alcohol marketplace regulation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: The erosion of state regulation of alcohol: The threat to public health and safety
See more of: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs