FASD Center for Excellence

State Laws Related to Posting of Alcohol Warnings at Point of Sale

In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy, 19 States and the District of Columbia have enacted laws requiring warnings at the point of sale, including bars and restaurants. Studies show that the signs raise awareness and may reduce alcohol consumption among light to moderate drinkers. Links to the legislation are provided where available.

The following States and the District of Columbia have laws requiring warnings to be posted at the point of sale about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

State	Statute
Alaska	Sec. 04.21.065. Posting of warning signs.
Arizona	4-261. Warning signs; consumption of spirituous liquor during pregnancy; composition of signs; rules; inspection of premises; penalty.
California	25249.6. Required Warning Before Exposure To Chemicals Known to Cause Cancer Or Reproductive Toxicity.
District of Columbia	Sec. 25-712. Warning signs regarding dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy required.
Delaware	Title 4 Sec. 903. Offenses carrying penalty of fine of not more than $100 or imprisonment for 1 month on failure to pay fine.
Georgia	3-1-5. Georgia Alcoholic Beverage Code
Illinois	235 ILCS 5/6-24a. Sec. 6-24a. Display of birth defects warning signs.
Kentucky	243.895. Warning of dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy to be posted -- Penalty.
Minnesota	340A.410. License restrictions; general.
Missouri	311.299. Warning sign displayed, liquor licenses -- violations.
Nebraska	53-148.01. Retail licensee; warning sign; commission; duties.
New Hampshire	175:4. Advertising.
New Jersey	TITLE 33 INTOXICATING LIQUORS. 33:1-12a. Posting of notice required
New Mexico	60-6A-30. Posting of warnings.
New York	ABC Article 8, Sec. 105-b . Posting of certain signs.
Oregon	471.551. Warning signs required; contents; size; display.
South Dakota	35-4-99. Display of health warning sign -- Violation as petty offense. 35-4-100. Health warning sign -- Contents -- Copy provided to licensees.
Tennessee	57-1-211. Warning signs at retail establishments.
Washington	RCW 66.16.110. Birth defects from alcohol -- Warning required.
West Virginia	§60-6-25. Mandatory signs to be posted warning of the possible dangers of consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.

Other Laws Related to Warnings

The following States require warnings about alcohol and pregnancy to be provided in venues. Besides point of sale, such as through county clerks issuing marriage licenses.

State	Statute
Alaska	Sec. 18.05.037. Fetal health effects information. Sec. 25.05.111. Issuance of license.
Delaware	TITLE 16. Health and Safety: PART I. Local Boards of Health; Health Programs. CHAPTER 1. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES. Subchapter VIII. Warnings to Pregnant Women. Sec. 190. Required warning of possible use effects of alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin or other narcotics. Title 24. Professions and Occupations. CHAPTER 17. MEDICAL PRACTICES ACT. Subchapter VI. General Provisions. Sec. 1770. Required warning of possible use effects of alcohol, locaine, marijuana, heroin or other narcotics.
Hawaii	Sec. 572-5. Marriage license; agent to grant; fee
Illinois	750 ILCS 5/203. Sec. 203. License to Marry.
Kentucky	311.378 Warning of dangers of drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy to be posted -- Penalty (physician's offices).
Missouri	191.725. Physician to counsel pregnant patients on effects of cigarettes, alcohol and controlled substances -- certifying form to be signed by patient on counseling -- educational materials to be furnished to physicians.
New Hampshire	CHAPTER 132. PROTECTION FOR MATERNITY AND INFANCY. Section 132:2. Duties. TITLE XLIII. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. CHAPTER 457. MARRIAGES. Documentation of Marriages. Section 457:23. Requirements.
New York	Sec. 200.13 . Adulteration of food.
Oregon	106.081. County clerk to distribute fetal alcohol syndrome pamphlets to marriage license applicants.
Rhode Island	Sec. 15-2-3.1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome warning law.
South Dakota	34-23B-1. Prenatal effects of drug and alcohol use.
Wisconsin	765.12. Marriage license, when authorized; corrections; contents. 46.03(34). Fetal alcohol syndrome and drug danger pamphlets.