The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) announced on Mar. 30 that it is urging moderation and responsible choices in alcohol consumption as April marks Alcohol Awareness Month across the country.
Alcohol Awareness Month is intended to raise awareness about the risks of excessive drinking and encourage informed decisions regarding alcohol use. The MLCC said that while alcohol often plays a role in celebrations and social events, moderation is essential for public safety.
"While drinking alcohol is a part of many of our celebrations and times of relaxation, drinking responsibly is crucial for the safety of everyone," said MLCC Chair Kristin Beltzer. "During Alcohol Awareness Month, we join with our partners in the alcoholic beverage industry and public health community to highlight the importance of safe and responsible alcohol use."
Alcohol Awareness Month was established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to help communities address stigma around alcohol abuse, provide information about addiction, its causes, effective treatments, and support recovery efforts. The MLCC highlighted that more than 1,500 people in Michigan die each year from alcohol-related causes. Additionally, recent statistics from the Michigan State Police show that over a quarter of traffic fatalities are related to alcohol.
The commission provided reminders such as knowing drink strengths—distilled spirits like vodka or gin have higher potency—and understanding what constitutes a standard drink: 12 ounces of beer at five percent alcohol content; five ounces of wine at twelve percent; or one-and-a-half ounces of distilled spirits at forty percent. Guidelines recommend up to one drink per day for women (of all ages) and men over age sixty-five; men under sixty-five should not exceed two drinks per day. Binge drinking is defined as more than four drinks per outing for women or five for men.
Businesses licensed to sell or serve alcoholic beverages are required to prevent sales to minors or intoxicated customers by checking identification properly and recognizing signs of intoxication. The MLCC offers seventeen approved server training programs available online at its Server Training Requirements webpage.
The commission also encourages parents to talk with their children about underage drinking risks, driving under the influence, and health concerns associated with excessive consumption.
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