CHICAGO, IL – The Second Annual Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Alcohol Law Symposium continued today at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on U.S. alcohol regulation and litigation issues.

The day began with a panel discussion titled, “Globalization and a U.S. Constitutional Amendment: The Future of Alcohol Laws in the United States.”  The session focused on the effects of the increasing globalization of the alcohol business and the changes that might be in store for U.S. alcohol regulation.  Panel speakers included moderator Jeremiah McWilliams of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Anoop Bhasin of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration; Pam Erickson of Public Action Management, PLC; Kelly Grebe of MillerCoors; and Michele Simon of the Marin Institute.  These participants shared lessons learned from overseas alcohol regulation and talked about future trends and challenges on the horizon.

A review of 21st Amendment cases in the U.S. highlighted the many active types of litigation against a state’s ability to regulate alcohol.   Many of the problems associated with Dormant Commerce Clause or antitrust challenges to state alcohol regulation remain unsettled.

The Symposium concluded with a session that focused on common legal issues currently facing operators of alcohol companies.

More details on speakers, education session topics and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

CHICAGO, IL – Today the Second Annual Center for Alcohol Policy (CAP) Alcohol Law Symposium kicked off its first full day at the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

Attendees were welcomed with remarks by CAP Advisory Council Chair and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro.  “A state’s ability to regulate alcohol is being challenged in several states, so this gathering is a good opportunity for regulators, public health advocates, elected leaders and industry insiders to come together to share insight and ideas,” said Petro.

The day continued with insightful panels by current and former alcohol regulators, prominent alcohol law attorneys, a professor of alcoholic beverage law and public health advocates.  The panel sessions focused on the following topics:

•         Liquor Liability Laws: Pros, Cons and Recent Developments
•         Public Health Aspects of Alcohol Regulation
•         Supplier Contracts: Implications for State Alcohol Laws
•         What is the Fosdick and Scott Report and Why is it Important?
•         Defending State Liquor Laws Under the 21st Amendment: A State Perspective
•         Trade Practice Laws: A State and Federal Perspective

Nebraska Attorney General and National Association of Attorneys General President Jon Bruning delivered a keynote address on the role of the attorney general in upholding state-based alcohol regulation under the 21st Amendment.  “I applaud the Center for Alcohol Policy for bringing divergent parties such as industry insiders, public health regulators and attorney generals to discuss issues of alcohol policy,” said Bruning.

The Second Annual CAP Alcohol Law Symposium continues Tuesday, October 20.  More details on speakers, education session topics and the full Symposium agenda can be found at www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org.

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The Center for Alcohol Policy is a 501 c (3) organization whose mission is to educate policy makers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and regulation.  By conducting sound and scientific-based research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities about the effects of alcohol consumption.  For more information, visit www.centerforalcoholpolicy.org