Alcopop-Free Zone Marin Kicks Off

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Apr 26, 2012, 03:15 ET

Youth Ask Canal Area Retailer to Stop Selling Flavored Malt Beverages

SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Alcohol Justice:

Youth, adults, and community organizations from across Marin County who have banded together to create an Alcopop-Free Zone Marin will rally in the Canal area of San Rafael to encourage More for Less and other local alcohol retailers to voluntarily stop selling youth-attractive flavored malt beverages known as alcopops.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO)

What: Rally and Press Event

When: Friday, April 27, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

Where: 141 Bellam Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901

Who: Representatives from:

Alcohol Justice
Being Adept
Families for Safer Schools
Marin County Dept. of Health & Human Services Prevention Hub
Marin County Pharmacists Association
Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth
Pharmacist Planning Service, Inc.
Santa Margarita Neighborhood Association
Twin Cities Coalition
YMCA
Youth Leadership Institute
Youth for Justice

Why: Youth-attractive alcopops, or flavored malt beverages (FMBs):

Are pre-mixed, sweetened alcoholic drinks that taste like juice and soda
Are packaged in brightly-colored cans, similar to energy drinks
Are priced low enough to effectively target underage drinkers, especially young women
Can be shelved wherever beer is available - including convenience stores, gas stations, and mini-marts
In supersized 24 oz. single-serving containers with 12 percent alcohol are the equivalent of 4-5 beers and cannot be consumed responsibly by any age drinker
Encourage underage consumption which leads to serious alcohol-related harm

The community will celebrate and promote retailers who comply as responsible, family-friendly, alcopop-free stores.

Media Availability: For more info, interviews with Alcohol Justice staff and Youth for Justice members, please contact Michael Scippa – (415) 548-0492

Contact: Michael Scippa 415-548-0492
Tiffany Tan 415 690-3628

SOURCE Alcohol Justice