Anheuser-Busch Ad Campaign Is Wrong

Thank you for taking a stand against Anheuser-Busch’s illegal frequent-drinker program--”Buy the beer, get the gear” (Oct. 5).

Unfortunately, Anheuser-Busch continues to bask in the flow of cash profits at the expense of public health and safety. Fortunately, community members throughout Ventura County have organized against Anheuser-Busch and their irresponsible marketing campaign.

But the public is not the only one at risk as a result of Anheuser-Busch’s pernicious thirst for profit. Now, smaller beer companies (that would be all other beer companies, as Anheuser-Busch is the largest beer manufacturer in the world) stand to lose distributors who are offered cash and rebate incentives to contract only with Anheuser-Busch. According to an Associated Press story, the U.S. Justice Department is investigating Anheuser-Busch’s marketing and distribution practices.

Anheuser-Busch unflinchingly affirms their nationwide distribution practices are legal, just as they continue to state their California frequent-drinker program is legal in striking contradiction to the decisions of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, state attorney general and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Through your editorial and statewide community coalition efforts we’re working together to put a stop to Anheuser-Busch’s cavalier disregard for the law and public health and safety.

MARICELA P. MORALES

Alcohol environmental prevention

specialist, El Concilio

del Condado de Ventura