Corrections

In a previous posting on Malt Liquor (below), we erred in two ways. First, we gave a misleading description of alcopops, sweetened alcoholic beverages, which are flavored malt beverages and not malt liquor, two legally distinct designations. Second, we did not note that several states including Maine, California and Utah have made the distinction between alcopops and lower alcohol products. These distinctions apply only to alcopops, not malt liquor. In future postings, we'll cover this issue more fully.

Product Profile

Malt liquor, a fortified beer, is the drink of choice in many low income neighborhoods. Its high potency, low price, and ready availability in corner groceries make it attractive to low income drinkers of all ages, but especially young men. Today, facing declining revenues, major US breweries are targeting young people as potential consumers for malt based beverages. In this profile, Corporations and Health Watch reviews the public health consequences of malt, the history of targeted marketing for these beverages and the community responses to this marketing, and suggests some strategies for reducing malt's harm.
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