I applaud the Tribune`s support for commercial free speech (”Sheltering kids from common vices,” July 31), a fundamental part of America`s free enterprise society. At Anheuser-Busch, we believe this important right should be accompanied by its responsible exercise.
As parents, we face the counterpoints of sheltering our kids on the one hand and giving them freedom to grow on the other. This dilemma is
particularly challenging for a beer company, faced with the issue of underage drinking.
We were buoyed that the Tribune cited the key roles of parents and fair laws in facing this problem. In programs we promote to prevent underage drinking, we call on each.
For parents, we provide ”Family Talk About Drinking,” a set of guide books developed with authorities in alcohol research, child development and family therapy. To help prevent underage drinking, the books emphasize:
setting a positive example, being factual about alcohol, clarifying rules and consequences, practicing good parenting (building self-esteem, two-way communication, etc.), dealing with peer pressure and seeking help if a drinking problem is suspected.
Also, to help beer servers prevent purchases by minors, Anheuser-Busch beer wholesalers provide the TIPS training program and make available books showing the valid driver`s licenses from all 50 states.
These efforts are working to reduce alcohol abuse, and that`s a result that benefits us all.
