Bill proposes allowing self-exclusion from alcohol purchases
news@greenecountymessenger.com
An area legislator has introduced a bill that would allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from the ability to purchase alcoholic beverages.
无毛视频淭his bill is really important because I believe that it无毛视频檚 another resource those struggling with addiction will have 无毛视频� to potentially help them quit or get away from their addiction,无毛视频� state Rep. Matthew Dowling said, acknowledging he was drawing on personal experience. 无毛视频淚 know that I have gone into a liquor store when I无毛视频檝e thought about it, and thought maybe I shouldn无毛视频檛 go in. If I knew that I already placed myself on a list like this, I know that I wouldn无毛视频檛 have gone in.无毛视频�
Dowling, 37, of Uniontown, was driving a Mini Cooper when he hit into the rear end of a Toyota Tacoma at a stoplight at New Salem Road and Matthew Drive in South Union Township about 1:40 p.m. on June 4. Police have said Dowling无毛视频檚 blood-alcohol level was .272, more than three times the legal limit.
The Republican lawmaker无毛视频檚 proposal would create a system of self-exclusion similar to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board无毛视频檚 self-exclusion list for problem gamblers.
The self-exclusion process would enable someone to ask the state Liquor Control Board to preclude them from buying alcohol for five years at the state无毛视频檚 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores or any other establishment in Pennsylvania that has a valid liquor license.
A person would not be permitted to place someone else on the list, and self-exclusion also could not be court ordered nor could it be a condition of any plea deal. Self-exclusion would not be taken into consideration by the courts for any purpose, under the proposed law.
无毛视频淚 believe this legislation would be an additional tool for those suffering from alcohol abuse disorder and will save lives across the commonwealth,无毛视频� Dowling said.
Dowling waived charges Aug. 23 of driving under the influence to Fayette County Court and applied for admission to a pretrial diversionary program that would eventually clear his record.
Dowling said he attended rehab at Recovery Centers of America after the crash that led to the charges.
无毛视频淥ne of the things we talked about frequently in counseling sessions and group sessions was identifying our triggers,无毛视频� Dowling said. 无毛视频淪imply passing a liquor store can be a trigger for an individual. Not for every person who suffers from alcoholism, but for a lot of them, just being able to go in becomes a trigger. This may be able to help them ward off those urges.无毛视频�
When charges were filed against him in July, Dowling filed paperwork to remove his name from the November ballot. In May, he defeated a challenger to become the Republican nominee for the seat he无毛视频檚 held for two terms.
Smithfield attorney Charity Grimm Krupa has been named as the replacement nominee for Dowling无毛视频檚 seat.
House Bill 2811 has been referred to the House Liquor Control Committee for consideration.