STOP ACT PASSES CONGRESS

It’s official. The Stop Act has passed Congress, and the only thing standing in its way to becoming a law is the president’s (surefire) signature.

Late on Wednesday night an amended version of the Stop Act passed the Senate after passing the House of Representatives three weeks ago. The STOP Act, or the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (H.R. 864 / S. 408) has language which puts Congress on record as reinforcing the notion that states have the right to regulate alcohol.

Let’s take a look at what some of the trade groups had to say.

Peter Cressy, president and ceo of DISCUS:

“While progress has been made, any amount of underage drinking is too much. We appreciate the bipartisan effort in Congress. By working together and focusing on effective, comprehensive solutions, we can continue to make progress.”

“We are pleased to join with the Beer Institute, Wine Institute, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the National Beer Wholesalers Association and The Century Council in this step in the fight against underage drinking.”

Craig Wolf, president and ceo of WSWA:

“Wine and spirits wholesalers believe the first step to preventing underage drinking is restricting and monitoring who has access to alcohol. It is a unique product and must be managed within the safeguards of the three-tier system.”