COLUMBIA, S.C., June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine, and beer company, and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, applauds South Carolina's legislature for approving a bill that will ban 'Alcohol Without Liquid' (AWOL) machines across the state. SB 96, introduced by Senator Vincent Sheheen (D) (Dist. No. 27) and Senator Michael Fair (R) (Dist. No. 6), aims to eliminate the sale and usage of the dangerous devices that vaporize alcohol and allow people to inhale the fumes.
"We commend South Carolina's legislature for recognizing the dangers associated with AWOL machines," said Barry Becton, Senior Director of State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "We promote responsible drinking practices among adults and we want to make it clear that we are committed to the responsible sale, marketing, advertising and consumption of our products," said Becton.
Passing South Carolina's House and Senate, SB 96 will now be sent to Governor Mark Sanford for his approval. "We hope Governor Sanford will sign this bill quickly and we urge other states across the country to follow South Carolina in outlawing these dangerous products," Becton continued.
Although all alcohol products sold in America must be federally approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), AWOL machines have yet to receive such approval. Said Becton, "We operate in the most highly regulated industry and all of our products -- and those of our competitors -- have been carefully scrutinized by the TTB. These AWOL machines have yet to face this same oversight."
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 180 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/.
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