Diageo Applauds Westchester County Board of Legislature on Passage of Social Host Law

WESTCHESTER, N.Y., Aug 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- DEO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, applauds the Westchester County Board of Legislature for passing a social host law which penalizes adults who create the opportunities for minors to drink alcohol. The law, which took effect immediately, is significant step towards combating underage drinking and protecting the health and safety of minors.

"We commend the Westchester County Board of Legislatures for taking this important step in helping to combat underage drinking," said Dwayne Kratt, Senior Director, State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "Sadly, two-thirds of kids who illegally drink underage are getting the alcohol from adults who knowingly provide it, so it's incredibly important that legislators address the adults who are the real source of alcohol to kids. Diageo supports social host laws and we hope to work with lawmakers in New York State and across the country on this important issue because the bottom line is that alcohol and minors do not mix."

According to the Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, sixty-five percent of underage drinkers get their alcohol from family and adult friends. Under the new law, an adult who knowingly allows a party, gathering, or event where minors are present and drinking alcohol, or, upon becoming aware that minors are drinking on his or her premises, fails to take corrective action to stop the illegal activity, will be punished by fines and potentially imprisonment. First time offenders are fined $250 and the amount increases with each offense, with a $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment for up to one year for a third offense.

Diageo has a strong record of supporting myriad local and federal initiatives aimed at preventing underage drinking. Since 2003, Diageo has helped introduce legislation that would revoke the driver's license of any adult who knowingly furnishes alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age in more than 20 states. Diageo supports ALR legislation as part of its leadership in promoting responsible drinking and the company's commitment to preventing underage access to alcohol. Additionally, Diageo is a leading supporter of the "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign, which builds awareness of and seeks to curb underage drinking by reminding adults that providing alcohol to teens is illegal and irresponsible.

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.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

SOURCE Diageo

http://www.diageo.com/

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