Human Services News

From Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News:

The alcohol industry makes an estimated $22.5 billion by selling to underage drinkers and another $25.8 billion from sales to alcoholics and other problem drinkers, according to a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA).

"It is disappointing that this study fails to note the substantial progress that has been made in the fight against underage drinking," he said.

"Self-regulation by the alcohol industry is a delusion that ensnares too many children and teens," he said.

But Mary Engle, associate director for advertising practices at the Federal Trade Commission, said that industry self-regulation allows for more specific restrictions than a federal agency could constitutionally impose.

"Any government restrictions would have to be narrowly tailored in such a way they would advance the goal of reducing underage drinking without unduly impinging on adults' rights to receive these ads," she said.

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