Everything Outer Banks

Letter to the Editor- December 10th, 2011 Issue: Alcohol Beverage Control versus Privatization In 2007, underage drinking cost the state of North Carolina $1.4 BILLION. The NC Institute of Medicine estimates that alcohol and drug abuse cost our economy $12.4 BILLION annually. The World Health Organization identified alcohol control as an important tool in preventing the harmful use of alcohol. Governor Perdue mentioned at a sit down with press agencies across the state that she has “believed for a long time there has to be real examination of privatization,” (of our current Alcohol Beverage Control system).  Dare CASA would like to have a frank conversation with our community and educate our residents about the health, revenue and alcohol abuse consequences associated around the issues of control versus privatization. The World Health Organization recently published a global strategy to combat alcohol abuse and one of their primary recommendations is government control over the sale of alcohol. The economic and public health research clearly supports government control over the sale of alcohol: •In the six States surrounding and including North Carolina, three of which are control states and three of which are license states: • Control states average 7 outlets per 100k residents, whereas license states average 44 outlets per 100k residents.   That is over 6 times as many outlets (per capita) in license states as are in control states. •Control states average $140,000 per 100k citizens in state liquor revenue compared to an average of only $52,000 per 100k citizens in state liquor revenue for license states. •Compared to all other states, North Carolina ranks 48th per capita in consumption per gallon and 3rd in revenue per gallon—if there is a business model that better represents the public health and state budget… we haven’t seen it. Alcohol control might not seem like a very interesting topic, nor is it always convenient, but the evidence is clear: it is saving lives and futures and protecting our next generation of leaders.  At a Joint Committee Meeting on Alcohol Beverage Control last spring numerous advocates spoke out in favor of continued control.  Among them was Jessica Harris, a North Carolina high school student, “when are we going to realize” she said “that privatizing the sale of liquor will mean more liquor stores in our communities than playgrounds?” Know the issues, the facts and the implications to our community- advocate for what is in the best interest of our community- to support public health and safety. Contact your representative today- they must hear from you to know how our community feels about the issue- your voice is needed. Dare CASA Continue reading →