July 24, 2008
Parents urge veto of 'alcopops' bill
Parents of teenagers killed in underage drinking incidents hand-delivered a letter to Gov. Martin O'Malley's Baltimore office yesterday urging him to veto legislation that would ensure that fruity alcoholic drinks known as "alcopops" continue to be taxed and distributed the same way as beer.
Under pressure from public health and safety advocates to veto the bill, O'Malley said this week that he is still weighing the issue. The bill, approved during this year's General Assembly session, overrules an opinion from Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler classifying the drinks such as Mike's Hard Lemonade as liquor, which is taxed at a higher rate than beer and subject to more limited distribution.
The parents argued in their veto request that the fruity drinks are marketed to teens, an allegation that manufacturers deny. "We ask that you help prevent more deaths and injuries by standing up to the alcohol lobby," the parents wrote.
Laura Smitherman
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