Sept. 21, 2001--
Utah's Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission got a strong message about alcohol advertising laws:
"Change as little as possible."
That came from the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints in a statement at a hearing on the new policy.
Government specialist Richard Piatt explains why the Church spoke out Friday.
It all comes down to a Federal Court ruling that forces Utah to take a second look at liquor advertising.
Now, the commission has to balance a legal requirement with a strong anti-alcohol sentiment.
Because of the Federal Court ruling, liquor-laced specialty drinks are appearing on a menu.
Restaurants are displaying distilled spirits.
Servers are letting people know what alcoholic beverages are available.
But those changes are just the beginning.
Advertisers are acting on the belief that rules for print, broadcast and billboards are also relaxed under the ruling.
And before more relaxed rules become permanent in Utah, the Commission is getting an earful.
Valarie Peterson/Concerned Parent: I'M CONCERNED THAT IF MY CHILDREN SEE THIS ADVERTISING THAT THEY'RE GOING TO BELIEVE THAT ALCOHOL OR DRINKING IS COOL, AND THAT'S WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO GIVE IN TO PEER PRESSURE.
Robert Van Komen/Alcohol Policy Coalition: WE MUST DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO SEE THAT YOUTH ARE NOT THE TARGETS OF ADVERTISING.
From the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints: A strongly worded statement presented by a lawyer who once served on the Alcohol Commission.
Jerry Fenn/Attorney for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints: THE CHURCH STRONGLY SUBSCRIBES TO THE NOTION THAT THERE IS A STRONG CORRELATION BETWEEN ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND ALCOHOL ADVERTISING.
Jerry Fenn/Attorney for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints: THE CHURCH IS DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE MORAL, SOCIAL AND HEALTH COSTS DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL IN A STATE WHERE SO MANY OF ITS MEMBERS RESIDE.
In favor of the new rules: Utah's Restaurant Association, which sees a looser marketing approach as more realistic.
Melva Sine/Utah Restaurant Association: ACCENTING A FULL MEAL WITH AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DOES NOT PROMOTE CONSUMPTION. DINING IS ACTUALLY A BUFFER TO OVERCONSUMPTION AND ABUSE. YOU CAN ONLY DRINK SO MUCH WHILE DINING AT THE SAME TIME.
Those who advocate stricter rules for liquor advertising say the issue is becoming a serious public health matter.
Science Specialist Ed Yeates will have more on that tonight on Eyewitness News at Ten.
