Alcoholism is a disease that has devastated countless lives, including those of people I hold dear. For many alcoholics I know, the story is a painfully familiar one: the illness has led to multiple DWIs, career ruin, loss of child custody, and in the most heartbreaking instances, acts of violence and sexual assault committed against them. Each of these stories bears witness to the havoc alcoholism can wreak, not only on the individual but also on families and communities.

Given the damaging impact of alcohol addiction, it is crucial to act decisively to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Therefore, I propose the establishment of a registry for individuals diagnosed with alcoholism. This registry would serve a vital role in restricting access to alcohol, thereby reducing the likelihood of further harm. By making it unlawful for stores to sell alcohol to anyone listed on this registry, we create a first line of defense against this destructive disease.

In order to enforce this measure effectively, we must ensure strict penalties for non-compliance. Stores that sell alcohol to individuals on this registry should face having their liquor licenses suspended and incur a $10,000 fine per incident. Such punitive measures would incentivize retailers to abide by this regulation and uphold the public’s health and safety as their top priority.

The statistics are harrowing: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that excessive alcohol use led to more than 95,000 deaths annually in the United States from 2011 to 2015. During this period, alcohol was a contributing factor in nearly 30% of driving fatalities. Meanwhile, a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reveals that about 14.1 million adults aged 18 and older suffer from alcohol use disorder.

By supporting this proposal, we take a step toward safeguarding the lives of those grappling with alcoholism while also protecting the wider community from its potentially catastrophic consequences. Let us champion a system that prioritizes the health and welfare of our citizens by mitigating the risks associated with alcohol use disorder.

I urge you to join me in calling on legislators and policymakers to establish this registry for alcoholics, ensuring a more responsible approach to alcohol sales that aligns with our commitment to public health and community safety. Sign this petition now and help us turn this vision into reality, sparing countless individuals and families from unnecessary suffering.