WINE INSTITUTE'S STANCE

Editor -- Diana Conti's Open Forum piece, ``Drug War Isn't on Target,''
warrants a strong rejoinder. While I personally have great respect for her
and the Marin Institute, I must correct their mischaracterization of the
Wine Institute as one of ``two major opponents of the Roybal-Allard
amendment,'' which seeks to include alcohol in the federal government's
media campaign to discourage adolescent use of illicit drugs.

Miss Conti did request our support for the amendment which, after
consideration, we concluded was not merited. We chose to stay on the
sidelines on this issue, which is a far cry from opposition, and does not
justify our being included among those who are lobbying ``to undermine the
health and safety of children.''

In studying the proposal, we found the position paper of the White House's
Office of National Drug Control Policy to be consonant with our view,
namely that ``an anti-underage drinking message to youth is largely a
separate and distinct message from the anti-drug message, requiring a
significantly different strategic approach based on scientific and
behavioral knowledge.''

Prominent researchers such as Stanton Peele of New York's Lindes mith
Center have indicated that educators should not define alcohol as an
illicit drug. Experts such as Indiana University's Ruth Engs recommend that
America include ``more balanced approaches to alcohol'' in comprehensive
school and community programs.

To us, a glass of chardonnay with our meals should not be equated with
cocaine or heroin. Such a monstrous distortion offends culture, tradition,
social science and common sense.

JOHN A. DeLUCA President and CEO Wine Institute San Francisco