NORWALK, Conn., April 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, applauded the Kentucky legislature on the passage of HB 129 which will revoke the drivers license of anyone under 18 who use IDs fraudulently in an attempt to purchase alcohol.
The bill is on its way to Governor Ernie Fletcher for his signature.
Diageo has also introduced legislation in nearly 20 states, which directs different levels of penalties for adults who unlawfully provide access to alcohol for those under the legal drinking age. To date, these bills have been signed into law in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas and Virginia.
"Diageo is a company of families -- mothers and fathers; sisters and brothers -- and this legislation is an important deterrent in the fight to keep alcohol away from our young people," said Guy Smith, Executive Vice President, Diageo.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month and spring is a critical time of year for parents and communities to be vigilant about underage drinking. All too often prom and graduation celebrations can turn tragic as a result of underage consumption.
"Diageo supports a zero tolerance policy for underage drinking and we are proud to lead the industry by proactively working with lawmakers across the country to combat underage drinking," Smith added.
The bill was also supported by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the spirits industry trade association, by Brown-Forman, which is headquartered in Louisville, and by Bulleit Bourbon of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.
© 2006 PR Newswire
