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Board unanimously backs resolution urging reclassification of ‘alcopops’ to curb youth drinking
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution supporting the California Youth Council campaign to reclassify flavored malt beverages ("alcopops") as distilled spirits to raise taxes and limit availability to youth; the measure passed unanimously after public testimony from health advocates and the Marin Institute.
The San Francisco Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution supporting a youth‑led campaign to reclassify flavored malt beverages—commonly known as “alcopops”—as distilled spirits for tax and regulatory purposes.
Commissioner Maher, the resolution’s lead author, said marketing and packaging of these sweetened, flavored alcoholic beverages encourage underage use, especially among teenage girls. "Alcopops are packaged and marketed in a way that encourages underage youth to drink them," Maher said while reading the resolution.
Public health and advocacy groups including the Marin Institute and California Youth Council urged the board to adopt the resolution. Pete Rit Hajjak of the Marin Institute said countries that have changed classification saw notable reductions in underage drinking. Bruce Wolf and other community members supported rallies and educational outreach tied to the campaign.
The resolution asks the California Board of Equalization to reclassify flavored malt beverages under the regulations and tax rates that apply to distilled spirits—raising the tax from 20¢ per gallon for beer to $3.30 per gallon for distilled spirits—and requests the superintendent to circulate the board’s position to elected officials and large districts across the state. The board adopted the resolution as amended to direct the superintendent to distribute copies rather than language that the board itself would deliver them.
The vote was unanimous.
