SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following is being issued by Alcohol Justice:

Youth, adults, and community organizations from across Marin County who have banded together to create an Alcopop-Free Zone Marin will rally in the Canal area of San Rafael to encourage More for Less and other local alcohol retailers to voluntarily stop selling youth-attractive flavored malt beverages known as alcopops.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110727/DC41105LOGO )

What: Rally and Press Event

When: Friday, April 27, 2012, 6:30 p.m.

Where: 141 Bellam Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901

Who: Representatives from:

— Alcohol Justice

— Being Adept

— Families for Safer Schools

— Marin County Dept. of Health & Human Services Prevention Hub

— Marin County Pharmacists Association

— Novato Blue Ribbon Coalition for Youth

— Pharmacist Planning Service, Inc.

— Santa Margarita Neighborhood Association

— Twin Cities Coalition

— YMCA

— Youth Leadership Institute

— Youth for Justice

Why: Youth-attractive alcopops, or flavored malt beverages (FMBs):

— Are pre-mixed, sweetened alcoholic drinks that taste like juice and soda

— Are packaged in brightly-colored cans, similar to energy drinks

— Are priced low enough to effectively target underage drinkers, especially young women

— Can be shelved wherever beer is available – including convenience stores, gas stations, and mini-marts

— In supersized 24 oz. single-serving containers with 12 percent alcohol are the equivalent of 4-5 beers and cannot be consumed responsibly by any age drinker

— Encourage underage consumption which leads to serious alcohol-related harm

The community will celebrate and promote retailers who comply as responsible, family-friendly, alcopop-free stores.

Media Availability: For more info, interviews with Alcohol Justice staff and Youth for Justice members, please contact Michael Scippa – (415) 548-0492

Contact: Michael Scippa 415-548-0492

Tiffany Tan 415 690-3628

SOURCE Alcohol Justice