Stop underage drinking

The Alcohol Policy Coalition commends the editorial staff of the Deseret Morning News for their strong stand supporting efforts to weaken the tie between alcohol advertising and college sporting events. (Editorial: Nov. 14, "Drinking and athletics don't mix"). A recent report from the American Medical Association said that illegal underage drinking accounts for up to 20 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States.

"Big Alcohol" is no different from "Big Tobacco" in its untiring efforts to market to our kids. The alcohol industry is spending $4.8 billion a year on alcohol advertising, a powerful medium that has proven to be very persuasive to our young people.

The Alcohol Policy Coalition is calling on all citizens in Utah to support efforts to reduce the plague of underage drinking in both our state and our nation.

George J. Van Komen, M.D.

Chairman

Alcohol Policy Coalition