May 14, 2008

Alcohol Action Alert

Alcohol at the University of Illinois

SB 2322 gives broad authority to the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois to serve or sell alcohol for "public events" at all three campuses-Champaign-Urbana, Chicago, and Springfield. Any event requires written approval of the Office of the Chancellor for the University campus where the event is located. During these trying economic times, we are concerned about the possibility of alcohol sales at sporting events to increase revenue for the University.

Currently, alcohol is sold during the Chicago Storm games and women's professional basketball games at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Today, the lobbyist for the University of Illinois stated that they would like to serve/sell alcohol in the Sky Boxes at the new stadium and for concerts in the Auditorium. If a professional sporting team uses the University fields, the Board of Trustees would be able to approve the sale of alcohol for this "public event".

SB 2322 would expand alcohol at the University of Illinois campuses at a time when underage drinking, college drinking, and binge drinking are already causing health and safety problems. Some colleges have stopped alcohol advertising on campus and others have stopped alcohol sales at college stadiums and events.

SB 2322 sends the wrong message to students. Allowing alcohol at "public events" on campus could increase alcohol problems, underage drinking, and drinking and driving.

The Senate passed SB 2322, and it is ready to be voted on in the House of Representatives.

For Immediate Action

Call your State Representative (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to Vote NO on SB 2322.
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