Research consistently demonstrates that as alcohol price goes down, harm goes up, and cost to society increases. Underage youth are those MOST sensitive to price reductions and they are also those who are the savviest about using the internet.

These facts suggest that instantly redeemable couponing and internet couponing may increased consumption by underage drinkers. If couponing is allowed, coupons should ONLY be allowed at point of purchase where a sales clerk can perform an ID check. Internet coupons cannot possibly insure underage drinkers are restricted from online sites. In addition, the attraction of online couponing would open more avenues for direct electronic advertising to underage populations.

I am against couponing in any form, but if it is allowed every possible strategy to reduce harm and cost to society should be incorporated in the regulations. For example, regulations should only allow print coupons at point of purchase and discount coupons should not exceed 10%. Fifty percent reductions are excessive and would seem to encourage overconsumption at any age thus increasing cost to taxpayers. Those wanting the regulations to be loosened should have to produce data that the proposed changes will NOT increase cost to society.