GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 143, which would allow the sale of Class 1 neutral grain spirits or alcohol, as defined by federal regulations, that are without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color at a proof greater than 101 in government stores.

I put forward an amendment to require a reenactment of the legislation in order to give the legislative and the executive branches further time to study this issue.  The amendment requiring reenactment was rejected by the House of Delegates.

The educators and health professionals from across the Commonwealth who have been tasked with reducing harm associated with alcohol abuse on college campuses raised public safety concerns with this legislation.  I share their concern that a prime market for these products is young people who are attracted to their high proof and low cost. Underage drinking and binge drinking, particularly on college campuses, are threats to public health and safety that we should be working to curb. Therefore, I continue to believe the best course of action is to study this issue further, with particular focus on the restrictions and strategies implemented by other states that can be codified to reduce potential abuse of such products by young adults and youth, before selling this product in Virginia.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION

1. After line 143, enrolled

insert

2. That the provisions of this act, except the third enactment, shall not become effective unless reenacted by the 2017 Session of the General Assembly. [Rejected]

3. That the Commission on Youth (the Commission) shall identify and study potential impacts on public safety and health that could result from allowing Class 1 neutral grain spirits or alcohol, as defined by federal regulations, that are without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color at a proof greater than 101 but not more than 151 to be sold in government stores. In conducting its study, the Commission shall identify strategies and practices to reduce abuse of such products by young adults and youth that have been used successfully in other states that allow the sale of such neutral grain spirits or alcohol. The Commission shall consult with the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Secretary of Public Safety, public and private institutions of higher education, industry stakeholders, and other relevant or interested stakeholders. The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than November 15, 2016. [Ruled not properly before the House]