HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 13408 (Alcopops Sale Restrictions)RESOLUTION NO. 13408
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
TO SUPPORT ALCOPOP-FREE ZONES AND ENCOURAGING RETAILERS TO
ADOPT VOLUNTARY RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALES AND MARKETING OF
ALCOPOPS (FLAVORED MALT BEVERAGES)
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael acknowledges the epidemic of underage
drinking is a factor in nearly half of all teen automobile crashes, the leading cause of
death among teenagers as reported by the American Medical Association (AMA); and
WHEREAS, the AMA states that approximately 11 million American youth under
the age of 21 drink alcohol with nearly half of them drinking to excess, consuming five or
more drinks in a row, one or more times in a two-week period; and
WHEREAS, alcopops for the purposes of this resolution are defined as flavored
malt beverages that appeal to young and under -aged consumers (as described under
Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 25.55); and
WHEREAS, the AMA has found "reasons for concern due to serious health
issues" among teenagers who consume alcopops; and
WHEREAS, alcopops are often fruity, bubbly, high in sugar, brightly colored,
brightly packaged, and with youthful and/or sexually -con notated names, backed up by
trendy and social media oriented sales campaigns; and
WHEREAS, alcopops are packaged and marketed in a way that encourages
underage youth to drink them and increase the likelihood that underage youth, their
families and community, will suffer from the consequences of underage drinking; and
WHEREAS, many of the newer alcopops are supersized, that is they are
marketed and packaged as single servings of malt beverage in cans containing the
equivalent of four to five standard drink sizes (with 23.5 or 24 ounces of liquid and 8% to
12% alcohol), which is enough alcohol to cause dangerous inebriation and possible
poisoning if consumed by an underage youth; and
WHEREAS, the AMA reports that approximately one-third of teen girls have tried
alcopops, that teen girls drink all types of alcoholic beverages more than boys, 82% of
teen girls who have tried alcopops believe they taste better than beer or other alcoholic
drinks, and many girls (34%) incorrectly think that alcopops have less alcohol than beer;
and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state the following as
examples of the impacts of underage drinking: school problems, social problems, legal
problems, physical problems, physical and sexual assault, alcohol-related car crashes,
memory problems, and higher risk for suicide and homicide, and
WHEREAS, retailers may voluntarily enter into agreements with youth and
community leaders to participate in geographic zones where alcopops are not bought,
stocked, sold or marketed; and 7 INT
WHERAS, representatives from Alcohol Justice, and other local organizations
such as the Canal neighborhood group "Youth for Justice" and the "Teen Environmental
Leadership Academy" recently requested that the San Rafael City Council adopt a
resolution supporting an alcopop-free zone in San Rafael.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the City of San Rafael supports the
establishment of an Alcopop-Free Zone in San Rafael and that the City Council
encourages all alcohol retailers to voluntarily stop buying, stocking, selling, and
marketing alcopops.
I, Esther C. Beirne, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of San Rafael, held on Tuesday, the 4th of
September 2012, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers: Connolly, Heller, McCullough & Vice -Mayor Levine
NOES: Councilmembers: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers: Mayor Phillips
Esther C. Beirne, City Clerk