Alcopops

We've adjourned from State Agencies and are now in House Rules, where we're debating a bill to increase the tax on flavored malt beverages, or "alcopops" (and also prohibiting these drinks from being sold in grocery and convenience stores). Speaking for the bill are the director of the Quapaw House in Hot Springs, the Waldron Chief of Police, and a senior at the UofA, who all testify that one of the largest segments of society that drinks these beverages includes females between the 6th and 12th grades. Against the bill are the Oil Marketers Assn. (convenience stores), Wal-Mart, and the ABC.

Update: The bill failed on a voice vote.