Coalition releases prevention survey results

     Over a month ago, the Coalition put out a public survey primarily about underage drinking prevention strategies. The survey response was very good with 155 people completing the survey to date. Below are the results of the survey so far.

     Question One: The beer excise tax in Iowa has stayed at less than 2 cents a drink since 1986. Raising the tax by a nickel a drink could generate approximately $40 million a year in revenue. Do you support a nickel/dime increase in the beer excise tax, provided all funds go specifically to prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts?

     Of the people surveyed, 82.5 percent (128 people) stated “Yes;” with 9.68 percent responding “No;” and 5.15 percent stating they were unsure. A few (2.58 percent) chose “Other” and left comments.

     Question Two: Iowa is the only state in the Midwest that allows those as young as 16 to sell alcohol in a grocery store or convenience store, with all bordering states setting the minimum age of seller requirement higher, ranging from 18-21 years of age. Such requirements allow for those under age 18 to work as clerks, yet have an adult co-worker or supervisor complete the alcohol sale. Do you support increasing the minimum age to sell alcohol in grocery and convenience stores from 16 years of age to 18?

     Of the people surveyed, 63.82 percent chose “Yes;” with 24.34 percent marking “No;” and 7.89 percent were “Unsure” and 3.95 percent chose “Other.” Two of the six comments thought the age to sell alcohol should be 21.

     Question Three: Responsible beverage server training is designed to help those selling or serving alcohol understand liability issues, proper identification procedures, and other safety concerns related to alcohol service. Iowa has a free program provided by the state available online, in addition to privately offered trainings. Do you support requiring some form of responsible beverage service training for employees who sell or serve alcohol?

     Of those surveyed, almost 89 percent chose “Yes;” 4.61 percent answered “No;” and 3.95 percent were “Unsure” and 2.63 left comments under “Other.”

     Questions Four: Do you personally write e-mails, letters, or otherwise attempt to contact your local and state elected officials regarding potential legislation or other concerns?

     Of those surveyed, 40 percent answered “Yes” with 60 percent answering “No.”

     The Coalition survey will remain open for two more weeks. If anyone would like to fill it out and haven’t yet, go to www.jonescountycoalition.org to do so. The link is located on the top left of the website under “News and Information” and called the “Public Coalition Policy Survey.”