MADD-PA Responds to Proposed Sunday Beer Sales in the Commonwealth

There is talk around the state that legislators may be considering a bill which will include language that permits the sale of beer on Sundays by beer distributors. What impact will this have on the number of those killed and injured in drunk driving crashes? What impact will this have on underage drinking? - No one can say for sure. In 2003 there were 618 people killed by drunk driving in Pennsylvania according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The state ranks fourth highest in the country for alcohol-related traffic deaths. The National MADD organization does not have a position for or against Sunday beer sales. MADD, Pennsylvania is quick to point out that the organization is not as concerned about when alcohol is sold, but rather to whom it is sold and that people don't drive after drinking. MADD identifies that this measure would be continuing the trend in Pennsylvania to increase the sales of alcohol, increase advertising and increase distribution. "This is not so much society crying out for more access to alcohol, but rather alcohol crying out for more access to our citizens," said Missouri Rep. Ed Emery in an interview with the Associated Press, regarding similar legislation proposed in his state.

MADD advocates that if Legislators vote favorably to Sunday beer sales in Pennsylvania, they should also require the industry to use a portion of the additional revenue to take steps to increase education and advertising for the prevention of underage drinking and drinking and driving. MADD would expect that in addition to increasing the sale hours of beer:

• all sales staff must be scrupulous in checking IDs.
• all sales staff will participate in the Responsible Alcohol Management Program(RAMP) training offered by the PLCB
• there will be an increase in Compliance Checks
• Keg Tagging will be mandatory to insure that adults who provide alcohol to children are held accountable

MADD Pennsylvania's Legislative Committee is very interested in the benefits of House Bill 2185, expected to come up for a vote in the Senate, which increases the penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors resulting in injury or death. You can learn more about House Bill 2185 by visiting www.maddpa.org/legislation.