Alcopops: Alcohol in Disguise

Get the Facts!
Alcopops are classified as beer in Ohio, even though they are an alcohol product that contains distilled spirits. This misclassification contributes to the underage drinking problem in Ohio.

FACT #1 − Alcopops are starter drinks for kids.

Everyday, more than 7,970 kids ages 12 to 17 take their first drink of alcohol.

Alcopops are sweet, fizzy drinks with bright & flashy packaging that appeal to youth.

Of the 8th graders that drink, 77% report they consume Alcopops, compared to only 30% of drinkers aged 25 – 30.2

Research shows teens are more likely than adults to recall brand names of Alcopops.

FACT #2 − Underage drinking is a serious problem.

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation in deaths, injuries and financial costs related to underage alcopop consumption.

21.1% of all alcohol sold in Ohio is consumed by underage drinkers.

In a survey of 18 to 24 year current drinkers who failed to complete high school, nearly 60% had begun to drink before age 16.6

Alcohol is the # 1 youth drug problem; it kills 6.5 times more people under 21 than all other illicit drugs combined .

FACT #3 − Reclassifying Alcopops Makes $ense.

Underage drinking cost Ohioans an estimated $2.9 billion in 2008.

More than 110 studies conclude that higher prices reduce underage drinking.

Beer is taxed at 18¢ per gallon, while mixed beverage taxes are $1.20 per gallon – a six times higher rate.

Ohio taxpayers lose approximately $4-5 million based on the misclassification of alcopops.

For more information, download this informational flier: CLICK HERE