“For over seventy-five years, the states, consistent with the letter and spirit of the Twenty-first Amendment, have provided a workable, pragmatic solution to the problem of alcohol regulation,” Thomas’ essay states. “Such a pluralistic approach has yielded a state-by-state regulatory system that essentially functions as a patchwork quilt of local solutions to local problems.  This rich tapestry of alcohol regulations among the fifty states should not be displaced by federal preemption.”

Martha Lantz, an attorney in Washington state, was named the second place winner in this year’s contest.  Jason Koransky, a law student from Illinois, and Majid Rizvi, a graduate student from Texas, tied for third place.

The winning entrants will receive prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The Essay Contest is intended to foster debate, analysis and examination of state alcohol regulation.  The theme of this year’s contest was: “State regulation of alcohol is important because…”  There were more than 30 entries that focused on a wide variety of topics pertaining to state alcohol regulation, including:  legal analysis, law enforcement perspective, tax collection, public health and other relevant topics.

“Challenges to state-based alcohol regulation are very real in states across the country,” said CAP Advisory Council Chair and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. “This year’s essay contest offered a unique opportunity to address the impact of state alcohol regulation on society and its role in protecting Americans in today’s environment.”

Read essays from 2009 winners:

1st Place: Josephine Thomas, Florida

2nd Place: Martha Lantz, Washington

3rd Place (tie): Jason Koransky, Illinois and Majid Rizvi, Texas

The Essay Contest is intended to foster debate, analysis and examination of state alcohol regulation.  The theme of this year’s contest was: “State regulation of alcohol is important because…”  The essays could focus on any aspect of state alcohol regulation including legal analysis, law enforcement perspective, tax collection, public health and other relevant topics.

“For more than 75 years, alcohol has been effectively regulated in the U.S. by a state-based system of alcohol controls provided by the 21^st Amendment,” said CAP Advisory Council member and Cumberland School of Law Professor Brannon Denning. “This year’s essay contest offers a unique opportunity to address the impact of state alcohol regulation on society and its role in protecting Americans in today’s environment.”

Alcohol is the only article of commerce subject to two constitutional amendments.  As society addresses problems like alcohol abuse including underage drinking and drunk driving, the debate about maintaining effective alcohol regulation is critical.  The Center for Alcohol Policy seeks to raise public awareness about the unique qualities and regulations of alcohol.

The top three winning entries will receive prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

For essay contest rules, guidelines and last year’s winning essays, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

The day began with a panel discussion titled, “Globalization and a U.S. Constitutional Amendment: The Future of Alcohol Laws in the United States.”  The session focused on the effects of the increasing globalization of the alcohol business and the changes that might be in store for U.S. alcohol regulation.  Panel speakers included moderator Jeremiah McWilliams of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Anoop Bhasin of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration; Pam Erickson of Public Action Management, PLC; Kelly Grebe of MillerCoors; and Michele Simon of the Marin Institute.  These participants shared lessons learned from overseas alcohol regulation and talked about future trends and challenges on the horizon.

A review of 21st Amendment cases in the U.S. highlighted the many active types of litigation against a state’s ability to regulate alcohol.   Many of the problems associated with Dormant Commerce Clause or antitrust challenges to state alcohol regulation remain unsettled.

The Symposium concluded with a session that focused on common legal issues currently facing operators of alcohol companies.

More details on speakers, education session topics and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

Attendees were welcomed with remarks by CAP Advisory Council Chair and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro.  “A state’s ability to regulate alcohol is being challenged in several states, so this gathering is a good opportunity for regulators, public health advocates, elected leaders and industry insiders to come together to share insight and ideas,” said Petro.

The day continued with insightful panels by current and former alcohol regulators, prominent alcohol law attorneys, a professor of alcoholic beverage law and public health advocates.  The panel sessions focused on the following topics:

•         Liquor Liability Laws: Pros, Cons and Recent Developments
•         Public Health Aspects of Alcohol Regulation
•         Supplier Contracts: Implications for State Alcohol Laws
•         What is the Fosdick and Scott Report and Why is it Important?
•         Defending State Liquor Laws Under the 21st Amendment: A State Perspective
•         Trade Practice Laws: A State and Federal Perspective

Nebraska Attorney General and National Association of Attorneys General President Jon Bruning delivered a keynote address on the role of the attorney general in upholding state-based alcohol regulation under the 21st Amendment.  “I applaud the Center for Alcohol Policy for bringing divergent parties such as industry insiders, public health regulators and attorney generals to discuss issues of alcohol policy,” said Bruning.

The Second Annual CAP Alcohol Law Symposium continues Tuesday, October 20.  More details on speakers, education session topics and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Second Annual Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Alcohol Law Symposium, to be held October 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, will feature insightful panels by current and former alcohol regulators who will discuss the challenges they currently face in defending state liquor laws under the 21st Amendment. Registration is still available at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

Assistant attorneys generals from several states that have been involved in litigation regarding the 21st Amendment will participate on a panel and discuss challenges to state-based alcohol regulation and state laws.

“Challenges to state-based alcohol regulation are very real in states across the country,” said CAP Advisory Council Chair and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. “The Center is excited to provide this opportunity for regulators, legal scholars, attorneys general, public health community and industry and others to engage in an open dialogue.”

The Alcohol Law Symposium includes ten educational sessions, and topics include the history of U.S. alcohol regulation; the intersection of alcohol supplier contracts and state alcohol laws; an examination of federal; and state trade practice laws and liquor liability laws.

Another session will discuss the effects of the increasing globalization of the alcohol business and what changes might be in store for U.S. alcohol regulation.  Experts from the alcohol industry, the media, the public and state regulators will share lessons learned from overseas alcohol regulation and explore future trends and challenges on the horizon.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits are being offered by almost all states for those attending the Symposium. A full listing of states that have approved CLE credits as well as more details on speakers, education session topics, registration information and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org. Reduced registration fees are available for government and nonprofit registrants.

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CONTACT: Amy Foster; amyf@centerforalcoholpolicy.org; (703) 519-3090
The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Second Annual Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Alcohol Law Symposium, to be held October 18-20 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, will feature an extensive list of expert presenters and panelists offering perspectives on challenges to and the importance of the 21st Amendment and state alcohol laws.

Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, who is currently the president of the National Association of Attorneys General, will deliver the Symposium’s keynote address exploring the role that state attorneys general play in debates about alcohol, a state’s role under the 21st Amendment and the importance of fighting the abuse of alcohol. In addition to a panel featuring assistant attorneys general from Indiana; New Jersey; Ohio; and Washington, the program also includes the following speakers and panelists:

•         Anoop Bhasim, West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control (Charleston, WV)
•         Richard Blau, Gray Robinson, P.A. (Tampa, FL)
•         Jerome Cajka, Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (Cleveland, OH)
•         Judy Cushing, Oregon Partnership (Portland, OR)
•         Stephen Diamond, Law Professor of Alcoholic Beverage Law (Coral Gables, FL)
•         Pam Erickson, Public Action Management (Scottsdale, AZ)
•         Tom Fisher, Indiana Solicitor General (Indianapolis, IN)
•         Kelly Grebe, MillerCoors (Chicago, IL)
•         Roger Johnson, Wisconsin Department of Revenue (Madison, WI)
•         Max Hess , Chorey, Taylor and Feil (Atlanta, GA)
•         Michael Madigan, Attorney, Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, P.A. (Minneapolis, MN)
•         Jeremiah McWilliams, St. Louis Post Dispatch (St. Louis, MO)
•         Jim Petro, Former Ohio Attorney General (Columbus, OH)
•         Hobe Rupe, Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (Lincoln, NE)
•         Michele Simon, Marin Institute (San Rafael, CA)
•         Andrew Siegel, Shackelford Melton & McKinley (Dallas, TX)
•         Mark Willingham, Alcohol Solutions LLC (Jacksonville, FL)
•         Craig Woodcook, Ben E. Keith Company (Dallas, TX)
•         Don Zieglar, American Medical Association (Chicago, IL)

“This year’s Alcohol Law Symposium will offer expert insight and discussion about the importance of alcohol law, regulation and litigation to legal professionals, regulators, law enforcement and the public health community,” said CAP Advisory Council Chair and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro.  “With litigation and legislation challenging alcohol laws and regulations in many states across the country, this is an invaluable program for anyone interested in the state of alcohol regulation and the 21st Amendment.”

The Alcohol Law Symposium includes ten educational sessions on topics such as the effect of globalization on alcohol laws in the United States; trade practice laws; the history of U.S. alcohol regulation; the intersection of alcohol supplier contracts and state alcohol laws; liquor liability laws; a 21st Amendment litigation update and more.

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits have been approved by 34 states for those attending the Symposium.  More states CLE approvals are pending.   A full listing of states that have approved CLE credits as well as the most updated details on speakers, education session topics, registration information and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org. Reduced registration fees are available for government and nonprofit registrants.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

The 31 states that have approved CLE accreditation for the Symposium are:

Alabama          Alaska          Arkansas          Colorado          Florida          Idaho          Illinois          Iowa          Kentucky          Louisiana          Maine          Mississippi          Missouri          Minnesota           Montana          Nevada          New Hampshire          New Mexico          North Dakota          Ohio          Oklahoma          Oregon          Pennsylvania          Rhode Island          Tennessee          Texas          Vermont          Washington          West Virginia          Wisconsin          Wyoming

These states offers between nine and 12 credits each.  Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, South Dakota and the District of Columbia do not have mandatory CLE requirements.

“This year’s Alcohol Law Symposium will offer expert insight and discussion about the importance of alcohol law, regulation and litigation to legal professionals, regulators, law enforcement and the public health community,” said Center Advisory Council member and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro.  “With litigation and legislation challenging alcohol laws and regulations in many states across the country, this is an invaluable program for anyone interested in the 21st Amendment.”

The Symposium offers 10 educational sessions on topics such as the effect of globalization on alcohol laws in the United States; trade practice laws; the history of U.S. alcohol regulation; the intersection of alcohol supplier contracts and state alcohol laws; liquor liability laws; a 21st Amendment litigation update; and more.

Nebraska Attorney General and National Association of Attorneys General President Jon Bruning will deliver a keynote address on the role of the state attorney general in upholding state-based alcohol regulation under the 21st Amendment. Other speakers and panelists include prominent alcohol law attorneys, a professor of alcoholic beverage law, current and former alcohol regulators and public health advocates.

An up-to-date listing of CLE states, Symposium speakers, educational session topics, the full agenda and registration information is available at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

Today, alcohol is the only product that is the subject of two constitutional amendments – the 18th which established national Prohibition and the 21st which repealed Prohibition 13 years later and established today’s effective system of state-based alcohol regulation. As society addresses problems like alcohol abuse including underage drinking and drunk driving, the debate about maintaining effective alcohol regulation is critical.

It is in that spirit that the CAP is hosting its second annual national essay contest. The contest is intended to foster debate, analysis and examination of the effect of state alcohol regulation.

The theme of this year’s contest is: “State Regulation of Alcohol is Important Because…”

Essays can focus on any aspect of state alcohol regulation including legal analysis, law enforcement perspective, tax collection, public health and other relevant topics.  The top three winning entries will receive prizes of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The deadline for submission is November 18, 2009, and winners will be announced in early December. For entry rules, essay guidelines and last year’s winning essays, please visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

“For more than 75 years, alcohol has been effectively regulated in the U.S. by a state regulatory system guaranteed by the 21st Amendment,” said CAP Advisory Council member and Cumberland School of Law Professor Brannon Denning. “This year’s essay contest is intended to highlight and explore how state regulation of alcohol under the 21st Amendment has worked.”

“As the nation debates causes of problems in areas ranging from financial services to food safety, this essay contest offers a unique opportunity to address the impact of state alcohol regulation on society and its role in protecting Americans,” Denning continued.

The Center for Alcohol Policy, funded by America’s beer distributors, seeks to raise public awareness on these unique qualities and regulations of alcohol.

To request a copy of the 30-minute DVD, e-mail info@centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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