Youth With Vision Legislative Priorities

Ban of Alcohol Without Liquid (AWOL) Devices
Alcohol vaporizers are a unique “delivery system” (AWOL – Alcohol With Out Liquid) which takes hard liquor and disperses it as a vapor in an oxygen mist.  Both have had positive hearings in committee.

1. Intensive inhalation may be more likely to cause toxicity than binge drinking (when vaporized alcohol enters the bloodstream, directly from the lungs, it is not subject to the protective effects of the digestive system (such as the impulse to vomit).
2. The rapid rush of alcohol to the brain would make inhalation more addictive than regular drinking.
3. Through AWOL devices, alcohol enters the brain without being filtered by the liver – a potential for serious damage. (could possibly be linked to brain damage)
4. The devices appeal to minors and simply promote high risk drinking

Articles related to Ban of AWOL

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/01/25/machine_makes_it_easy_to_inhale_hard_liquor/
http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Senatedemsall&id=7241&v=Article
http://www.defrance.org/artman/publish/article_1039.shtml

Ban of Alcohol in the Missouri State Capital

1. Other state buildings (employees) are not allowed alcohol – there are no other known states that allow alcohol in their capitol unless for “special occasions.”
2. Elected officials should act as role models (and students visit the capitol daily)

Banning anyone under 21 from Bars and Nightclubs

1. The Surgeon General has identified this issue as a primary contributor to underage drinking access.
2. Once minors are allowed in these establishments it is relatively easy to gain access of alcohol (through those 21 and over).

Special Fund for Reduction of Alcohol-Related Problems and Underage Drinking

This bill would create a special fund, to be used solely for alcohol-related prevention, enforcement, treatment and recovery services which are seriously under-funded in Missouri. 

1. The excise tax collections on beer, wine and spirits, currently collected from the manufacturer/solicitor bringing the alcohol into the state, would be earmarked for this new fund. 
2. This change would make available over $29.5 million much needed dollars each year, to be used for these services.

Smoke Free Ordinances

Youth With Vision supports smoke-free air ordinances, laws and policies in the metro area; as well as a comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke in our community

Website related to Smoke Free KC
http://www.cleanairkc.com/