ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) applauds today’s start of National Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign promoted by the U.S. Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking.
“Alcohol is a unique product that is not for everyone,” said NBWA President Craig Purser. “National Red Ribbon Week is a great time to recognize that alcohol beverages need to continue to be effectively regulated so they are not abused and do not end up in the hands of those under the legal drinking age. Responsibility begins with effective regulation.”
“The 95,000 American men and women of the beer distribution industry and state-based regulation of alcohol play a critical role in the effort to eliminate alcohol abuse of all types, including drunk driving and the underage purchase and consumption of alcohol,” Purser continued. “Alcohol is not like other consumer goods and can have consequences if abused. That’s why beer distributors take steps to ensure the safe and legal sale of alcohol, fight efforts to weaken regulations that provide a safe and orderly marketplace and participate in programs that promote alcohol education initiatives and responsible consumption only by adults of legal drinking age.”
NBWA encourages parents and community leaders to utilize SAMHSA resources that can help educate young people about the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of making healthy choices. More information about these resources can be found at www.stopalcoholabuse.gov or at www.nbwa.org .
To read about responsibility initiatives America’s beer distributors have launched in their local communities, visit www.distributorresponsibility.com