NABCA offers grants to control state agencies through both its educational fund and supplemental fund .

“ You have to start with the premise that alcohol is different from other products , and an important aspect of the business is making sure consumers have information to make the right decisions ,” says Steve Schmidt , senior vp of public policy and communications for the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association ( NABCA ).

“ A big part of that is understanding that alcohol can have harmful effects on health and safety ,” he continues . “ So how do control states help prevent harm ? They make sure that people who decide to consume do so in a safe

BY JEREMY NEDELKA and responsible way .” Every control state is unique , but in general , agencies provide public education and prevention programs in addition to regulating the distribution and sale of alcohol . In an era where privatization is a common discussion , showcasing good work is imperative for every control jurisdiction .

“ There ’ s a larger environmental landscape our agencies are concerned about ,” Schmidt says . “ How does their state make sure beverage alcohol is thought of in the appropriate manner , ensuring that the public knows about alcohol ’ s impact on their health and safety ? And it ’ s not just about public education – they also need to help partners in the state . That includes policy makers , colleges , community coalitions and neighborhood groups .”

For many control states , educational efforts involve partnering with organizations like NABCA and spirits suppliers to fund their initiatives .

“ Our board of directors has committed to making funds available from our budget , and they decide each year on resource allocation for each jurisdiction ,” Schmidt says . “ There are two pots of funds – the educational grant is available to all jurisdictions , and it ’ s specific to preventing alcohol-related harms . That might be a conference , grant funding for other organizations or a public education program .

“ The supplemental fund changes each year and states compete for grants that are much broader – that can include working with policy makers , promoting the agency ’ s work , etc …,” he continues . “ It ’ s not unusual for states to qualify for both funds and have programs linked .”

SUPPLIER SUPPORT In addition to funding sources like NABCA and governmental departments like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , suppliers also provide support for control states ’ responsible consumption efforts .

“ While Pernod Ricard supports the responsibility mission of all control states , we ’ ve partnered with six ( ID , MI , OH , OR , PA and VA ) on

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