Testimony

HB 1197 (AN ACT relative to liquor advertising) Testimony of New Futures before the Senate Commerce, Labor, and Consumer Protection Committee

HB 1197

(AN ACT relative to liquor advertising)

Testimony of New Futures before the Senate Commerce, Labor, and Consumer Protection Committee

April 29, 2008

Chairman Gottesman and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to present this testimony in opposition to HB 1197. I am Tricia Lucas, Policy Director for New Futures. New Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization working to reduce underage alcohol problems and to increase treatment for alcohol and other drug problems. HB 1197 repeals all limitations on “happy hour” advertising. New Futures strongly opposes HB 1197 because it will increase the exposure of underage youth to alcohol advertising and creates an environment that encourages excess consumption by legal drinkers.

Under current law “happy hour” (a period of time when on – premises licensees sell beverages and liquor at reduced or special prices) advertising is strictly limited: the only permissible advertisement is one that can be viewed within the licensed establishment. (RSA 179:31, XI) HB 1197 removes all restrictions on “happy hour” advertising and would permit all forms of advertising, including:

Large signs in the windows of or outside establishments;
Advertisements in newspapers/magazines/ or other print media; and
Radio or television advertisements.

HB 1197 will increase the exposure of underage youth to alcohol advertising and will increase the risk of underage alcohol problems because:

Recent research demonstrates that exposure to alcohol advertising affects the age at which underage youth begin to drink; and
Numerous long term studies have found that youth who see, hear, and read more alcohol ads are more likely to drink and drink heavily than their peers.

Repealing the current restrictions on “happy hour” advertising sends the wrong message about responsible alcohol consumption.

Unrestricted “happy hour” advertising encourages and promotes over consumption and communicates the social norm that excess consumption is acceptable and necessary to have fun.
In New Hampshire, where numerous community coalitions and other groups work every day to prevent and reduce both underage drinking and excess consumption by legal drinkers, why would the General Court want to pass legislation that conveys a message so clearly contrary to the goal of legal, responsible alcohol use.

HB 1197 is opposed the Department of Health and Human Services, various local community groups, the NH Public Health Association, university officials, the Liquor Commission Bureau of Enforcement, and local law enforcement entities. New Futures respectfully requests that the Committee recommend HB 1197 Inexpedient to Legislate. Thank you for the opportunity to present this testimony.

Tricia H. Lucas

Policy Director

Archives

SB324 consolidating all substance abuse services in the office of alcohol and drug abuse prevention within the department of health and human services. - March 25, 2008
HB 1178 relative to the definition of “beverage”. - February 7, 2008
HB 1633 relative to the regulation of licensed alcohol and drug use counselors. - January 24, 2008
SB 324 AN ACT consolidating all substance abuse services in the office of alcohol and drug abuse prevention within the department of health and human services. - January 22, 2008
SB 233 relative to specialty beer, relative to sales by beverage vendor licensees, and establishing a committee to study flavored malt beverages. - May 8, 2007
HB 543 establishing a committee to study the licensing process for licensed alcohol and drug counselors. - April 25, 2007
HB 1 Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2008-2009 - April 18, 2007
HB 1 Operating Budget for Fiscal Years 2008-2009 - March 15, 2007
HB 567 - This bill would lower the minimum drinking age to 18. - March 15, 2007
HB 543 establishing a committee to study the licensing process for licensed alcohol and drug counselors. - March 6, 2007
HB 567 - This bill would lower the minimum drinking age to 18. - February 22, 2007
HB 567 - This bill would lower the minimum drinking age to 18. - February 22, 2007
HB 373 - This bill changes the prohibition on intoxication by a minor to a prohibition on consumption of any alcoholic beverage by a minor. - February 7, 2007
HB 322 - This bill establishes a committee to study enhancing training for retail liquor licensees. - February 7, 2007
HB102 - This bill establishes a minimum area ratio for restaurants operating cocktail lounges. - January 27, 2007