IS ALCOHOL THE CULPRIT IN VIOLENCE?

To the Editor:

Bravo to Caroline Knapp for highlighting the role of alcohol in the
violence in Central Park and in Los Angeles (Op-Ed, June 21). Although
alcohol is the drug that causes the most crime and violence in America
each year, government officials responsible for the war on drugs don't
include alcohol in prevention messages aimed at youth. Whither common
sense?

Also, why are alcoholic beverages excluded from government regulations
that require content labels on all bottled and canned beverages sold
in the United States?

HARVEY WEINER Wynnewood, Pa., June 21, 2000 The
writer is vice president for health affairs, Eagleville Hospital.