Board of Aldermen moves to remove vice ads

By Amanda Poppei

Baum's testimony opened the hearing, which was an effort by several aldermen to initiate discussion on proposed legislation to ban alcohol and tobacco advertisements within 500 feet of residential zones and 1,000 feet of schools, places of worship and public libraries.

LIZ OLINER/YH If the proposed bill passes, alcohol and tobacco advertising in storefronts near schools, libraries and churches will be banned.

Baum, who grew up in North Haven and serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking, stated that she has "seen the effects of billboard advertisements on youth." She added that "legislation like that which is being proposed will contribute to young people having a safe and healthy environment."

Spearheaded by former Alder Josh Civin, CC '96, and eight aldermen from some of the city's poorest neighborhoods, the resolution has garnered support from low-
income communities which feel victimized by the uneven saturation of vice ads. At the hearing, bill co-founder and Ward Nine Alder Gerald Garcia, ES '94, declared that the legislation is a first step to "take back our community."

"We will not tolerate business as usual," Garcia continued, stating that vice ads represent "the coercion of our children by alcohol and tobacco."

A number of aldermen support Garcia in his efforts, including Ward One Alder Julio Gonzalez, CC '99, who stated that the billboards and signs in question represent "harmful advertising that can change perception and promote consumerism." Garcia went further, stating that "these products are not good for our children, should not be within reach of our children, should not always be within sight of our children."

Community leaders have also come out in support of the proposed legislation. Reverend Eric Smith of the Community Baptist Church in Newhallville decried the fact that his neighborhood has been inundated with alcohol advertisements and vendors. He pointed to a liquor store which sits on the same block as two schools, two churches, and a playground. Smith stated that he supports the bill because "it will cut down on the exposure of alcohol and tobacco advertising." The bill, however, is not without its critics. Joseph Grabarz, Executive Director of the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union, charged that the bill "represents an attempt by the government to regulate the content of legally protected speech." While similar legislation has been passed in other states, Grabarz pointed out that the Connecticut constitution provides "stronger protections for freedom of speech than does the American constitution."

Terra Lawson-Remer, MC '00, chair of the Yale American Civil Liberties Union, concurred, stating that "there's definitely a potential for infringement on free speech and we want to make sure that doesn't happen." Penny Crump, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, added that the legislation is "a disincentive to the businesses in the area."

She revealed that while the Chamber of Commerce is "very much in support of the goals...it will tie up the city's resources due to litigation over free speech." Annette Pettersen, Director of Real Estate and Public Affairs in New Haven, stated that "what we'd like to do is avoid legislation and work out a voluntary pledge with the city...legislation is not the answer."

Garcia defended the legality of the proposed legislation, stating that the aldermen are collaborating with community leaders. "I'm a little baffled at the ACLU's lack of interest in collaborating," he said. The proposal, according to Garcia, is based on a Baltimore model upheld by the highest court in Maryland. Garcia maintained that "our goal is to create legislation only when necessary in concert with existing law, especially the Constitution." Esak Garcia, SY '00, head of the Students for Corporate Responsibility, also cited the recent ban on all billboards in the state of Vermont as precedent.

The bill, if approved by the PSSAC, will be sent to the Board of Aldermen for a vote. If passed, it will be submitted for approval to Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. According to Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo, the Mayor's press secretary, DeStefano is currently examining "how pervasive the ads are, the location of the ads, and the ads' impact on businesses" before taking an official stance on the subject.

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