
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 20, 1990                   TAG: 9004200736
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A/3   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: TAMPA, FLA.                                LENGTH: Short

ALCOHOL WARNINGS OPPOSED

Owners of restaurants and bars where alcohol is served are fighting a law forcing them to post signs warning that beer, wine and liquor can cause birth defects, addiction and intoxication.

The Florida Restaurant Association filed suit Wednesday in Circuit Court challenging the constitutionality of the Hillsborough County ordinance.

The restaurants were ordered to post signs warning patrons not to drink during pregnancy, before driving or while taking either prescription or non-prescription drugs. The signs were to include the postscript: "It can be fatal."

Attorneys for the trade group claimed the signs will cause irreparable injury to the establishments. Restaurateurs complain that the warnings are ineffective and stigmatize moderate drinkers.

"If one person reads that sign and it prevents someone from getting hurt, that sign would be worth it," countered Commissioner Phyllis Busansky.

by CNB