Indiana Retailers Launch Expert Podcast Series on Alcohol Debate

PR Newswire — September 14, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR) is launching an expert podcast series on issues related to state alcohol policies as a legislative study committee begins its review of state regulations and laws.

The online series – “What I Know” – will be updated regularly with different voices and different points of view. “We are encouraging an honest dialogue on issues related to Indiana’s longstanding and responsible alcohol regulations, which are under assault by big box stores and out-of-state corporate interests,” according to John Livengood, association president.

The segments will feature package store owners, community leaders, addictions specialists and others who are interested in the responsible distribution of alcohol in the state of Indiana.

The 10-minute podcasts are in-depth conversations with Hoosier and national policy experts who can best explain the importance and financial impact of alcohol regulations. Indiana’s regulations are being attacked by out-of-state interests wanting to sell alcohol 24-7 in an unregulated and largely unaccountable environment.

In addition to Livengood, the series currently features:

– Dr. Chris Thurstone, a nationally recognized addictions specialist who has treated children as young as nine years old for binge drinking.
– Lisa Hutcheson, the longtime executive director of the Indiana Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.
– Jerry Corliss, a package store owner who insists on mandatory carding of minors in all of his six stores in North Central Indiana (Elkhart County).
– Frank Ball, executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association who is also a former sheriff, former police chief and military commander.

To listen to IABR’s ongoing “What I Know” series, visit: http://www.indianabeverageretailers.org. More podcasts will be added as they become available.

About the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers (IABR)

The Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers is a statewide membership group for package store owners licensed and regulated by the state of Indiana. Founded in 1936, the 73-year-old association’s mission is to protect, promote and improve the package store industry in Indiana. The association represents Hoosier businesses with 8,000 employees.

SOURCE Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers