To the editor: D.C. bureaucrats eye spirits industry

https://www.toledoblade.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2024/11/11/to-editor-dc-bureaucratseye-spirits-industry/stories/20241111006

D.C. bureaucrats eye spirits industry
by: ANDY HERF

 

As Ohio and our country head into the last few weeks before the election, there’s plenty to debate
when it comes to politics. But in a time when we sometimes find ourselves in disagreement, bars,
taverns, and restaurants continue to bring us together and foster a sense of community that we can
all agree on.

But while Ohioans are enjoying life over a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine, a half-dozen powerful
Washington bureaucrats are quietly working behind the scenes to put the squeeze on Americans’
consumption of alcohol. In so doing, they risk undermining the very things that bring us together.
The federal government is in the midst of revising the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which
includes guidelines for alcohol consumption. For decades, these guidelines have struck a sensible
balance between what is practical and achievable, and the aspirational goal of improving public
health.

Since the 1980s, the guidelines have advised one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for
men. This is a balanced, sensible, achievable approach that respects personal choice and
common sense.

But now, a group of anti-alcohol activists have taken over the review process, insisting there’s “no
safe level” of alcohol consumption. They want to revise the guidelines downward to say an adult
should have no more than one alcoholic beverage per week, or even recommend none at all. That
kind of drastic change in the guidelines is simply not warranted.

These activists are backed by international groups who are seeking a Prohibition 2.0 model. They
don’t appreciate how Americans live and have no understanding of the value Americans place on
personal choices.

The usual transparent and evidence-based process for revising the Dietary Guidelines has been
replaced by a secretive, hand-picked panel. This six-member group, chosen without public input, is
now in charge of reviewing the alcohol guidelines. The panel operates in the shadows, free from the
type of scrutiny and open dialogue that normally ensures fairness and balance in government
decision making.

This effort is part of a broader nanny-state agenda that wants to tell everyone how to live their lives,
regardless of the impact on our communities.

This kind of backroom dealing has raised red flags among some of our elected representatives.
Members of Congress from both parties have demanded answers from the USDA and HHS about
this opaque process, and the Wall Street Journal has noted the lack of transparency.

Ohio Bar Owners believe in promoting moderation and personal responsibility. But what these
activists are pushing is a drastic departure from the current guidelines. Worse, it’s an affront to the
common sense that Ohioans are known for.

Ohio’s elected officials, including Sen. Sherrod Brown, have long championed the rights of Ohioans
to make their own choices. I urge newly elected Senator Bernie Moreno and our entire delegation to
stand up against rogue bureaucrats and demand that the dietary guidelines process be open,
transparent, and based on the preponderance of scientific evidence — not driven by a small group
of unaccountable activists with a not-so-hidden agenda.

Ohioans deserve policies that reflect our values, that are crafted in the light of day with input from
all stakeholders, and that are rooted in reality.

The Biden-Harris Administration must step in and ensure that transparency, accuracy, and integrity
are restored to the dietary guidelines process. In doing so, they will be helping to maintain our
treasured community traditions.

Andy Herf is the executive director of the Ohio Bar Owners Association.