Diageo Supports Bill Targeting Adults Who Furnish Alcohol to Minors

Proposed Kentucky Legislation Enforces Harsher Penalties through Driver's License Revocation

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., Feb. 23 -- Kentucky's Bulleit Bourbon and its parent company, Diageo, today called for passage of Representative John Horlander's legislation (HB 491) to combat underage drinking.

If passed the bill will revoke the driver's license of any minor who possesses, purchases or attempts to purchase alcohol as well as any adult who knowingly furnishes alcohol to a minor.

Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine, and beer company, has backed similar legislation in nearly 20 states, which directs different levels of penalties for adults who unlawfully provide access to alcohol for minors. To date, these bills have been signed into law in Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas and Virginia.

"Bulleit Bourbon and Diageo are organizations made up 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.

According to experts, adults are the biggest source of alcohol for underage drinkers. The Century Council, a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, found that 65% of underage drinkers get their alcohol from family and adult friends. A report to Congress by the National Academy of Sciences identified friends and adult purchasers as the most frequent sources of alcohol among college students and older adolescents. Family members were cited as the most frequent source for younger adolescents.

"Diageo strongly endorses a zero tolerance policy when it comes to underage drinking," Smith added. "We are proud to lead the industry by proactively working with lawmakers across the country including Rep. Horlander to combat underage alcohol consumption," Smith added.

The bill is widely supported throughout Kentucky including the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association, Metro Louisville Police Department and the Transportation Cabinet. It does not apply to adults who provide alcohol for their own children nor does it apply to retailers as that comes under other provisions of law.

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/.

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