The high cost of underage drinking in Washington State

The Washington State Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery recently released its 2010 Report on Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Trends in Washington State.  Included is this chart (on page 179) about the costs of underage drinking in our state.  The report states:

Underage drinking in Washington State is associated with substantial harm resulting from traffic crashes, violent crime, unintentional injury, and risky sexual behavior.

-- In 2007, it is estimated that there were 32 traffic fatalities and 2,200 nonfatal traffic injuries involving underage drinking and driving.

-- In 2006, it is estimated that there were 21 homicides, 17,700 nonfatal violent crimes such as rape, robbery, and assault and 50,200 property crimes including burglary, larceny, and car theft perpetrated by underage drinkers.

-- In 2006, it is estimated that there were 12 fatalities from burns, drowning, and suicide involving underage drinking.

-- In 2006, an estimated 2,500 teen pregnancies and 11,500 risky sexual acts by teens involved the use of alcohol.

This all from a substance that is illegal for those under the age 21 and that is regulated. 

Bill would eliminate 10% markup on alcohol

Washington State House Bill 2040 would

-- permit, under certain conditions, financial interests between liquor manufacturers, distributors, and retailers (the three tiers of liquor control).

-- authorize liquor manufacturers and distributors to provide promotional items to retailers.

-- eliminates the mandatory ten percent minimum mark-up for beer and wine manufacturers to charge distributors and for distributors to charge retailers.

From an underage drinking prevention standpoint, this legislation is troubling.

The Food Marketing Institute recognizes that "low markup to stimulate high volume is the fundamental principle of mass merchandising." What this means is that eliminating the mandatory 10% markup on alcohol will create cheap prices that help the alcohol industry push high volumes. Research shows that higher alcohol prices reduce underage drinking rates. In fact, prevention advocates push for increasing alcohol taxes as a proven way to reduce underage drinking.

Promotional items are forms of advertisement. The impact alcohol advertising has on children should be considered when debating this bill. A brand new study by Dartmouth College shows that teens who own alcohol-related hats, t-shirts, and posters are more likely to become binge drinkers.