Oregon Health Authority Libels Oregon's Beer, Wine, Cider and Spirits Producers

OHA survey suggests industry wants overconsumption and minor drinking

Why would the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) set out to spread nefarious conspiracy theories about the small, family-owned wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries in the state? Because that’s the only possible description for a series of questions the OHA included in its recently mailed twice-yearly surveys of the public on questions of “Health behaviors and well-being of adults living in Oregon”.

Consider these two questions in the online survey they are conducting of random Oregonians:

These kinds of questions are included in the survey for one purpose and one purpose only: to put the idea in Oregonian’s minds that the state’s alcohol industry is “promoting excessive consumption” and “encourage youth and young adults under the age of 21 to drink.”

Keep in mind, the OHA is the same government institution that buried a state-funded study that concluded higher taxes on wine, beer, and cider would have little to no impact on problem drinking in the state. Now they attempt to gin up support for the notion that state alcohol producers work to get folks to drink to excess and want minors to drink.