by Ellen Morehouse and Jim Conklin
A coalition of substance abuse and addiction experts throughout the state recently called upon the governor and legislators to reject proposals that would weaken the liquor laws. In light of troubling statistics illustrating the harm of increased alcohol consumption during the pandemic, and echoing established public health guidance to reduce alcohol density, the coalition recommended that “any efforts to expand alcohol access in the name of consumer convenience, or private profit, should be suspended indefinitely.”
According to new data released in February by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol related deaths across the United States increased 29 percent from 2017 to 2021. Researchers from Hofstra University published a study that found “alcohol-related mortality in the US suggests there has been a significantly higher rate of increase in deaths among female individuals in recent years.” The New York State Department of Health Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reported that “Excessive alcohol use also results in economic costs and costs NYS an estimated $16.3 billion, or approximately $2.28 per drink.”
Despite these facts, the State Senate’s budget bill includes a range of harmful measures to spur more alcohol sales in New York. Legalizing alcohol shipping direct to the home will not only pour gas on the fire that is threatening public health, but it will also contribute to increased underage consumption. Recent reports from state officials across the country have illustrated that direct to consumer alcohol shipping is harmful.
Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, Massachusetts, and Vermont have conducted investigations that show direct to consumer alcohol shipments are routinely delivered without age verification. Vermont’s investigation even showed that illegal direct shipping originated in New York State. Law enforcement professionals have highlighted the dangers of the illicit alcohol market to New York’s teenagers.
COVID-era policies like “Drinks to Go” were extreme measures taken during unprecedented times and according to federal studies contributed to the spike in alcohol consumption that has led to increased illness. Now that the pandemic era circumstances prompting “Drinks to Go,” are over, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits with analysis of the health costs and maintain proper controls around alcoholic beverages.
Loosening alcohol laws, to allow shipping alcohol to homes and allow wine sales in grocery stores will increase sales and consumption in New York. These policies defy established public health guidance and ignore the threat to women’s and adolescent’s health. When it comes to alcohol control, New Yorkers are not struggling to find a drink. Weaker liquor laws will have sobering consequences. Put public health ahead of private wealth and keep liquor laws strong.
Ellen Morehouse is Executive Director of Student Assistance Services Corporation in Tarrytown. Jim Conklin is Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County in Middletown.
