 Kohl's, the national department store chain with 817 locations nationwide, is promoting underage and high-risk drinking by selling miniature versions of drinking games in its stores and online.
"Spin the wheel to make your opponents take a shot or have one yourself!" urges the box for the Roulette "Shot Game." Other games include a tabletop beer pong set, and a dartboard with a shot glass holder.
Intentionally or not, these youth-friendly games promote high-risk and underage drinking. They have no place in the gifts section of a family department store, especially during the holiday season.
Click here to tell the Kohl's president that binge drinking is no laughing matter, and insist he remove these irresponsible products from his store shelves.
Corporate retailers listen to their customers. A public outcry from parents, health professionals, and other citizens will get noticed, but time is short. Please act now.
Sincerely,
Eric Helmuth
Join Together
George Hacker
Alcohol Policies Project, Center for Science in the Public Interest
p.s. After you email Kohl's, be sure to tell a friend.
| Great news! Late Wednesday (12/20/06), Eric Helmuth of Join Together received this email from Kohl's Department Stores: |
Thank you for contacting Kohl's and bringing your concern to us directly. We appreciate the feedback and the opportunity to respond. Be assured that the remaining games are being removed from all Kohl's stores and online.
Regards - Julie Lando
Public Relations, Kohl's Department Stores
This is YOUR victory. How did it happen? Thousands of individuals and community coalitions in the Join Together action network flooded Kohl's headquarters with letters expressing outrage over the sale of binge drinking games. Many of you alerted local media around the country, and reporters started asking questions.
And Kohl's listened, agreeing to stop selling dangerous products like the Roulette "Shot Game," beer pong and others. We commend the company for responding so quickly and positively.
But we've discovered a new culprit - the Target Corporation. Target sells the Roulette "Shot Game," "Drinko" and several other binge drinking games on its popular website. While Target says Drinko is "made specifically for the over-21 crowd," and is only sold online, anyone can order the game with no proof of age required. And regardless of age, games that promote binge drinking are extremely dangerous.
We need to act quickly. With just a few days until Christmas, Target.com will see the highest traffic of the year. Write TODAY.
Let's keep up the momentum we started with our Kohl's victory. Tell Target that we won't stand for health hazards masked as entertainment. Let's save kids' lives this holiday season.
Thanks, and have a safe and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Eric Helmuth
Join Together
p.s. After sending your message to Target, be sure to tell a friend
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