City of White Plains Wants You to 'Enjoy New Year's Responsibly'

To Offer Free Taxi Vouchers in Local Bars and Restaurants

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Dec. 27 -- White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino and Heineken USA announced a new partnership with White Plains Hospital Center, Lobo Distributing Company and White Plains Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) to help ensure that those celebrating the start of the New Year get home safely. The "Enjoy New Year's Responsibly" initiative will distribute 500 taxi vouchers, worth up to $20 each, to 20 White Plains restaurants and taverns, which will then provide them to patrons who need to be transported home safely.

"Every year our Downtown New Year's Eve Spectacular draws thousands of people into the heart of our city for a fun, safe celebration and we want to make sure they get home safely," Mayor Delfino said during a press conference at Vintage Restaurant in downtown White Plains. "This initiative will ensure that no one has an excuse to endanger their lives and the lives of others by driving under the influence of alcohol. We want everyone to come to White Plains and enjoy what this wonderful city has to offer, but we want you to do it safely and responsibly. I can't thank Heineken USA, Lobo Distributing Company and White Plains Hospital enough for their generosity and commitment to the well being of our residents and visitors."

Driving under the influence is a national concern during the holiday season, in particular New Year's Eve weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2003 there were 219 fatalities reported over the New Year's holiday, with approximately 134 of these fatalities attributed to alcohol-related causes. Four out of five accidents occurring between midnight and 3:00 am are alcohol-related.

"Heineken is proud to stand with the City of White Plains, White Plains Hospital, the White Plains BID, our local distributor Lobo Distributing Company and restaurants and taverns across the city to help keep our community's roads safe," said Dan Tearno, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Heineken USA. "We want everyone to have a joyous holiday season and to enjoy Heineken responsibly. This program helps consumers make the right choices with responsible New Year's celebrations."

The "Enjoy New Year's Responsibly" initiative will build on Heineken USA's national "Enjoy Heineken Responsibly" campaign.

Participating restaurants and taverns include Applebee's, Black Bear Saloon, Dooley Mac's Publick House, Dunne's Pub, Finn McCool's, Great American Pub, Gryphon's Pub, James Joyce, Karamba Cafe, Kelly's Pub, Lazy Boy Saloon, Legal Seafood, Michael's, Patrick's Pub, Pizzeria Uno, Sports Page Pub, Tighe's Tavern, Trotter's Tavern, Vintage Bar & Restaurant and Zanaro's.

Heineken USA Inc., the nation's largest beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken N.V. (Netherlands), which is the world's most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world's most international beer brand; Heineken Dark Lager; Amstel Light, the largest-selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Please visit EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.