The Center for Alcohol Policy is a nonprofit organization that educates policymakers, regulators, and the public about effective state-based alcohol regulation in the United States. Through research, publications, and events, the Center explores the history, efficacy, and public safety impact of such regulation. The Center provides resources that support informed decision-making and foster dialogue on key alcohol policy issues, and also hosts an annual conference and writing competition to engage experts and emerging voices in the field. The Center’s work highlights the value of appropriate state-based alcohol regulation in promoting a competitive marketplace that protects public health and safety.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Center is to educate policymakers, regulators and the public about alcohol, its uniqueness and its regulation. By conducting sound research and implementing initiatives that will maintain the appropriate state-based regulation of alcohol, the Center promotes safe and responsible consumption of alcohol, fights underage drinking and drunk driving and informs key entities and the public about the effects of alcohol consumption.
Our Value Statement
In 2006, Congress passed and President George W. Bush signed legislation addressing problems associated with underage drinking. This legislation, the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act-PL #109-422), recognizes the primary role that the states play in regulating alcohol. The Center draws inspiration from language in the STOP Act:
Alcohol is a unique product and should be regulated differently than other products by the States and Federal Government. States have primary authority to regulate alcohol distribution and sale, and the Federal Government should support and supplement these State efforts.
States also have a responsibility to fight youth access to alcohol and reduce underage drinking. Continued State regulation and licensing of the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, transportation and storage of alcoholic beverages are clearly in the public interest and are critical to promoting responsible consumption, preventing illegal access to alcohol by persons under 21 years of age from commercial and non-commercial sources, maintaining industry integrity and an orderly marketplace and furthering effective State tax collection.
The Center for Alcohol Policy was originally organized and designated as a 501c3 organization in 1999 as the NBWA Education Foundation. In 2008 it was reorganized, rebranded and recapitalized as the Center for Alcohol Policy.
Kelly Roberson
Executive Director
In May 2020, the Center for Alcohol Policy named Kelly Roberson as executive director. Roberson brings to the Center her years of experience in policy and marketing from the public and private sectors.
Prior to her work with the Center, Roberson served as policy advisor and communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives where she led a varied portfolio of issues on behalf of the Western Caucus. She cultivated a strong understanding of regulated industries and worked with several members of Congress and their staffs on issues including energy and the environment, land use and resources, water and Native American affairs.
Most recently, Roberson pioneered the role of National Director of Digital Communications for one of the leading bicycle retailers on the east coast. During this time, her passion for building strategic partnerships and relationships combined with her overhaul of the company’s digital presence paved the way for exponential growth in both sales and brand awareness.
A native of Scottsdale, Arizona, Roberson graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University with a degree in Spanish Linguistics and International Business and Management.
Advisory Council
Brannon P. Denning
Patrick Lynch
Pam Erickson
Jerry A. Oliver Sr.
James E. Hall
