OPPOSE AB 417

AB 417, a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, would allow certain malt beverages, often called "alco-pops" to be classified as beer, and taxed as such. These beverages (i.e., Mike's Hard Lemonade, Bacardi Breezer, Skyy Blue, Zima) are particularly appealing to underage drinkers.

There's only one problem: "Alco-pops" are not beer beverages. They're marketed to youths and teens as distilled spirits and contain distilled spirits.

AB 417, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Cos., California Grocers Assn., California Retailers Assn., Miller Brewer Co., 7-Eleven and the Wine Institute, would classify "alco-pops" as beer and not as distilled spirits. The potential for illegal sale of these beverages is greater under this designation because they would be more accessible than distilled spirits by underage drinkers via greater distribution and advertising rights.

Researchers have estimated that underage drinking is a $7.5 billion cost incurred by Californians through alcohol-related violence, trauma, and automobile crashes. Don't let the alcohol industry substitute safety of our youths for profits.

Don't perpetuate the fraud by misleading teens and public, by categorizing these drinks as something they are not.

OPPOSE AB 417

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Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is a coalition of consumer, health, safety and insurance companies working together to advance highway and auto safety.