by L.A. Williams
Christian Action League
August 31, 2023
More than a third of U.S. drinkers are trying to cut back in 2023, according to a recent survey by NCSolutions. And the so-called “sober curious” movement is gaining momentum across the nation.
Meanwhile, in North Carolina, legislation introduced earlier this year would open the door to Sunday ABC sales, curbside cocktails, happy hours, discount liquor, and a number of other alcohol-pushing provisions. While the 36-page bill, S527, has not come to either chamber for a vote, it has been discussed in committee, where some legislators seem to see no harm in embracing a significant increase in alcohol access.
“Our culture is saturated with alcohol, but there are some positive signs that many folks, especially health-conscious younger people, are beginning to see the benefits of limiting their intake or going totally alcohol-free,” says the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League. “Sadly, I fear that lawmakers sometimes pay more attention to the alcohol industry than to the health of their constituents.”
Creech pointed to a huge range of benefits that come from sidestepping the spirits, from improved mental and physical health to significant money savings.
According to a recent article by Emily Roberts and Megan Lee of Bond University in Australia, “Including alcohol-free days in your routine can give the body a chance to rehydrate, detoxify and repair itself from the toxic properties of alcohol. Detoxification can lead to improved liver function and sleep quality, less water retention and easier weight control, clearer thinking, improved memory, more energy, clearer skin, a strengthened immune system and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.” Research further shows that alcohol-free days can have a domino effect, encouraging other healthy habits, such as eating whole foods, drinking more water and getting more exercise.
Just as alcohol-free days can improve health, not having them can compound health issues. While people’s bodies process alcohol at different rates depending on age, gender, size and shape, for most people, alcohol can be detected in the blood a full 12 hours after consumption.
“When the body is constantly processing the toxins in alcohol, it can lead to a chronic state of inflammation which is linked to physical and mental health risks,” Roberts and Lee reported.
Creech said that’s what happens unless drinkers take an intentional break, a break that is more likely to happen if ABC stores are closed at least one day a week, like Sunday. He said numerous studies point to the value to the community of limiting alcohol sales days and hours.
According to a study titled Legalization of Sunday Alcohol Sales and Alcohol Consumption in the United States, by Baris K. Yörϋk, three out of five states that repealed their laws restricting Sunday sales of alcoholic beverages between 1990 and 2007 experienced significant increases in per capita alcohol consumption.
The 2004, 2006 and 2008 editions of the Georgia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System reported an increase in driving under the influence arrests on Sundays in Athens, Georgia, after Sunday alcohol sales were allowed in restaurants. And in New Mexico, alcohol-related vehicle crashes rose 29 percent and alcohol-related crash fatalities jumped 42 percent between 1990 and 2000 after a Sunday sales ban was repealed.
“Obviously the law doesn’t keep people from drinking or force them to drink. Everyone is responsible for his behavior,” said the Rev. Creech. “But it’s sad when the government, which is designed to help protect its citizens, starts looking to embrace alcohol sales tactics like happy hours and cocktails to go, which are part of S-527, these create an environment that undermines the best of intentions of those who are trying to become more mindful of their health.”
The House ABC Committee has scheduled S527 for a hearing on Tuesday, September 5th.
