Hot Topics in Alcohol Regulation and Legal Developments Focus on Day Two of Fourth Annual Center for Alcohol Policy Law Symposium
CHICAGO, IL – The Fourth Annual Center for Alcohol Policy Alcohol Law Symposium kicked off day two in Chicago, Illinois, with a panel discussion titled, “Controversial Alcoholic Products.” Speakers included William H. Foster of the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB); Bruce Livingston from the non-profit alcohol industry watchdog Alcohol Justice; Donald S. McGehee of the Michigan Department of Attorney General; and Stephanie Stumbo of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. As recent news headlines have brought renewed attention to some controversial alcoholic products – from grain alcohol to large containers to high alcohol products – the panelists discussed industry responsibilities as well as the role of state and federal regulations.
A panel entitled “Hot Topics in Alcohol Regulation” highlighted a wide variety of issues and challenges facing state alcohol regulators and attorneys, from budget pressures to understanding which proposed laws would be subject to legal challenge. Former Rhode Island Attorney General and current Center for Alcohol Policy advisor Patrick Lynch moderated the panel, which included William Kelley of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and President of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators; and Stephanie Stumbo of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Each panelist drew from their own professional experiences to discuss issues their states have been facing in 2011.
The Symposium concluded with a panel on “Franchise Law Policy and Developments,” which featured Michael Madigan of Madigan, Dahl & Harlan, P.A.; and David Raber of Lumpe and Raber, Esq. The attorneys offered insights on recent actions related to the relationships between alcohol suppliers and alcohol distributors, and they highlighted potential future activities in this important area of alcohol codes.
More details on speakers, education session topics and the 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.