History and implications of the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988

In 1988, the US Congress enacted Public Law 100-690, the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988 (ABLA). The declared purpose was to inform the public of the dangers of consuming or abusing alcoholic beverages. Specifically, the law requires that alcoholic beverages manufactured, imported or bottled for sale in the USA bear a label warning of the risks of accidents, fetal alcohol syndrome and other health problems associated with its use. Although this legislation was designed to protect the consumer, it has been argued that the warning label has had little effect on the drinking habits of the public. Furthermore, the ABLA may actually protect the alcoholic beverage industry from liability claims.