Alcohol Group Says States Should Restrict THC to Alcohol Establishments

The American Beverage Licensees (ABL), an alcohol industry trade
association representing alcohol licensees in 26 states, this month called
on states to “draw upon the proven structures and practices used to
regulate beverage alcohol” when considering regulations for intoxicating
THC products.

In an April 4 policy memo, ABL listed a series of recommendations regarding
intoxicating THC products that started with: “States should restrict the
sale of intoxicating THC products to businesses licensed to sell beverage
alcohol and that are regularly inspected for compliance with laws aimed at
preventing sales to individuals under 21.”

ABL’s affiliates include establishments offering on-site alcohol
consumption, like restaurants and bars, and retailers selling packaged
beer, wine, and spirits, like grocery stores and liquor stores.

“Given their considerable experience with beverage alcohol regulation,
beverage alcohol retailers are best positioned to not only sell
[intoxicating THC products], but also to provide practical advice to states
on how to implement a robust regulatory model that inherently balances
public safety, business interests, and consumer access.” — ABL Executive
Director John Bodnovich, in a statement

Currently, it is illegal in every regulated U.S. cannabis market for
licensed retailers to offer alcohol products or any other intoxicating
substance besides cannabinoids. However, the markets that depend on
hemp-derived THC products currently often see THC products sold alongside
alcohol in retailers like gas stations and liquor stores.

The policy memo also calls for product testing regulations, a “transparent”
tax structure, and penalties for underage sales.