Living: One Less for the Road?

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Distillers, however, are bitter that federal and state taxes are skewed to hit liquor harder than beer and wine, and they feel the liquor industry is taking the rap for teenage drunk drivers, most of whom, they believe, are blitzed on beer, not hard liquor. The industry is currently challenging the three TV networks, charging that they are violating the fairness doctrine. The networks said no to Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, which wanted to buy 30-second spots pointing out that 1 1/4 oz. of hard liquor contains no more alcohol than a 5-oz. glass of wine or a can of beer. The industry believes, probably correctly, that much of the public thinks liquor is unusually potent, while beer and wine, particularly white wine, are harmless. Says Cameron: "This ignorance has hurt the liquor industry in today's health- and diet- conscious society."

The industry points to recent research linking moderate drinking to reduced rates of heart trouble. A California study, conducted with funds supplied by the alcohol industry, found that moderate drinkers have 40% less chance of hospitalization for coronary problems than nondrinkers. Proof may be years away, but one theory is that alcohol helps raise the level of certain cholesterols in the blood that act as cleaning agents for the cardiovascular system. DISCUS, says Cameron, is stepping up efforts to show that "moderate consumption of liquor by normal adults is just as safe as beer and wine, and may even be beneficial."

MADD and other groups are promoting nonalcoholic postprom parties for high schoolers. To prevent youngsters from slipping away for a furtive belt, the usual rule is that people who leave the party are not allowed back in. Many of the parties are planned around a feverish array of activities, all designed to keep the mind off booze. At Cherry Creek High School outside Denver, the postprom bash this year featured volleyball in the gym, water games in the pool, disco dancing, a magic show, ten video games and a makeshift casino. Free hot dogs, nachos and soft drinks were served, and as the party broke up at 6 a.m., there were doughnuts and juice.

In Farmington, N. Mex., a city of 35,626, MADD, SADD (for Students Against Drunk Driving), parents and local businessmen are trying to replace the "kegger," the traditional graduation-night beer party held in the hills outside town. A local bank donated use of a health spa, and TV and radio stations are contributing free airtime for SADD pleas asking students to sign lifetime "contracts" with parents promising to avoid drunk driving. In Houston, a cab company is offering free rides to inebriated promgoers, and tuxedos rented from Al's Formal Wear will come with a printed warning about drinking and driving. Students in several Boston suburbs who promise not to use alcohol or drugs on prom night get a discounted limousine and cut-rate tuxedo rentals. There are no pledges to sign, but if the limo driver thinks the verbal promise has been broken, he can stop the car and evict all occupants in midride.