* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Middleton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Request for State Legislation - Alcopops - Control of Use by Minors
FOR the purpose of requesting the Honorable Chairs and Members of the Baltimore City Senate and House Delegations to the 2009 Maryland General Assembly to introduce legislation governing the labeling, sale, and distribution of flavored alcoholic beverages.
Body
Recitals
Cool, refreshing, sweet - and alcoholic. The alcoholic drink of choice for underage teens - especially girls – is deceptively appealing. More teenage girls than teenage boys report drinking alcohol and in higher amounts; the American Medical Association (AMA) points to the popularity of so called “girlie drinks” or Alcopops as a major force behind the change.
“Alcopops (also called clear malts, flavored malt beverages, Cheerleader beer, malternatives, “RTDs”- Ready to Drinks, or “FABs” - Flavored Alcoholic Beverages) are fruit-flavored, malt-based drinks that come in colorful, child-oriented packaging. The sweetness and flavoring hide the taste of alcohol, and most people who are aware of alcopops mistakenly believe they aren’t as strong as beer; a cocktail with 1.5 ounces of spirits, and a 5-ounce glass of wine have the same amount of alcohol (from 5 - 7%) and cause the same effects.” — The Prairie View Prevention Services, Inc.
The alcoholic beverage industry has suc...
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