Sobering News for the Alcohol Industry

On November 18, 1989, the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 will become operative. As a result of this new federal law, all alcoholic beverage containers will be required to bear a government warning label. This note focuses on the past, present, and future of alcohol warning label legislation. First, the author traces the history and development of state and federal alcohol warning label legislation, analyzing key factors which led to passage of the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988. Next, the author critically examines the Act, highlighting omissions and proposing improvements. Finally, the author explores sources of continuing pressure on the alcohol industry to regulate further