HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2062

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to birth defects warning signS.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a need for public information about the risk of birth defects, specifically fetal alcohol syndrome, when women consume alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.  The United States Surgeon General has recommended that women abstain from alcohol during pregnancy.  The legislature believes that alcohol related birth defects are preventable if people are aware of the risks.

     The purpose of this Act is to require establishments that serve alcoholic beverages to post a warning sign to inform customers of the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

     SECTION 2.  Section 281-44, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§281-44  Advertisements and signs upon licensed premises.  (a)  All licensed premises shall post a sign in or about the premises containing and notifying all customers and other persons of:

     (1)  The dangers of consuming alcoholic beverages during pregnancy in the manner prescribed in subsection (b); and

     (2)  [the] The possible sanctions that may be imposed for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant under sections 291E-41 and 291E-61.

The [sign] signs shall be conspicuously positioned in order to be seen by an ordinarily observant person.  Failure to display a sign shall subject the licensed premise to a fine of not more than $100 for each offense; provided that prior to the first fine under this subsection the liquor commission shall provide the licensed premises with written notice of the violation and thirty-days to cure the violation.

     (b)  All licensed premises that display a sign eight and one-half inches by eleven inches, with a message warning of the dangers of alcohol shall contain the following language:

     "GOVERNMENT WARNING: ACCORDING TO THE SURGEON GENERAL, WOMEN SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DURING PREGNANCY BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF BIRTH DEFECTS."

     [(b)] (c)  The liquor commission may prescribe the character and extent of all other advertisements, posters, or signs which may be posted or maintained in or about the licensed premises."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Liquor Establishments; Birth Defects Warning Sign

 

Description:

Requires establishments that serve alcoholic beverages to display a sign to warn customers of the risk of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.  Establishes penalties.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.