WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attorney General Janet Reno today echoed President Clinton's disappointment with the decision of some manufacturers to abandon a half-century voluntary ban on advertising hard liquor on television. She also requested the FCC study the implications of such a step.

"From a crime-fighting perspective, anything that might increase the use of alcohol among our nation's youth is a threat to public safety.

"Recent research shows a clear connection between alcohol consumption and increased domestic violence and delinquency. For instance, several studies have shown alcohol to be a factor in about 50 percent of all violent crimes committed in the country. On college campuses, 95 percent of violent crime is alcohol-related, and 90 percent of all reported campus rapes involve alcohol use by either the victim or perpetrator.

"It is truly unfortunate that some manufacturers are abandoning their 50-year voluntary ban. I urge the FCC to look into the issues surrounding the advertising of hard liquor on television."

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