In yet another recent, thick report on underage drinking, the US Surgeon General's office added its voice to those many federal, state and local officials who want to adopt a comprehensive approach to prevention. In fact, the Surgeon General takes the widest view possible, concluding its Call to Action: "Underage alcohol use is everybody's problem - and its solution is everybody's responsibility." Unlike CASA (and indeed, previous Surgeons General) Acting SG Kenneth Moritsugu doesn't castigate the alcohol beverage industry per se. But his report does embrace the kind of fanatical zero tolerance approach that's likely to encourage increased restrictions. And it recommends a number of specific strategies along those lines, including several that CASA also advocates. Among them:
- "Eliminate alcohol sponsorship of athletic events and other social activities" at colleges and universities.
- Eliminate alcohol advertising from campus publications.
- Eliminate "low-price, high-volume drink specials, especially in proximity to college campuses, military bases, and other locations with a high concentration of youth."