A group of Wisconsin health officials and civic leaders is calling for tougher alcohol regulations in a state notorious for heavy drinking, the New York Times reported Nov. 15.

A coalition called All-Wisconsin Alcohol Risk Education, led by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, has begun a campaign to push for stronger drunk-driving laws, increased screening for alcohol abuse at clinics and hospitals, and a stronger awareness of the alcohol-related problems that face the state.

"Our goal is to dramatically change the laws, culture and behaviors in Wisconsin," said Robert Golden, dean of the University of Wisconsin medical school.

Wisconsin has led the nation in binge drinking every year since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began conducting national surveys on these issues more than 10 years ago. Drunk driving is more prevalent in the state than anywhere else in the country, and the rate of alcohol-related vehicular deaths in Wisconsin is among the highest in the United States.

However, there are obstacles to change in a state that allows minors to drink with their parents in taverns and bars and has an estimated 5,000 holders of liquor licenses.

Peter Madland, the executive director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin, defended the state's drinking culture. "We're not ashamed of it," Madland said, casting anti-alcohol campaigns as efforts to 'demonize' people who drink. "It's gotten to the point where people are afraid to have a couple of beers after work and drive home, for fear they'll be labeled a criminal," he said.

Golden said that state agencies would use money from a $12.6 million federal grant to increase screening, intervention and referral services.