The report traces the transformation of alcopops from their introduction in the 1990s as sweet, bubbly products, to today’s dangerous, “binge-in-a-can,” 23-25-ounce, supersized alcopops with 12-14% alcohol content.
The report describes how the alcohol industry makes alcopops (AKA flavored malt beverages or FMBs) seductively attractive to youth, resulting in harmful consumption. It also suggests how communities can respond effectively to reduce the danger and the harm the products cause.
“Our new report is an urgent call to action to limit the size and alcohol content of alcopops,” stated Bruce Lee Livingston, Executive Director / CEO, Alcohol Justice. “Alcopops, simply put, promote binge drinking, injury, and death for America’s youth.
Report Findings:
1) Alcopops are popular among youth due to their sweet taste, extensive variety of flavors, low price, high alcohol content, and widespread availability.
2) Compared to other types of alcohol, alcopops cause disproportionate harm to youth.
Report Recommendations:
1) The most effective evidence-based methods of reducing alcopop-related harm among youth are to increase prices, decrease availability, and limit advertising.
2) State or local laws to regulate size and alcohol content and off-sale package sizes, bans on single-serve containers, city resolutions, and Alcopop-Free Zones® are promising policies to decrease harm from alcopops.
– Alcohol Justice
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