Diageo Congratulates New Jersey Legislature for Passing Legislation to Combat Drunk Driving

AB 3073/SB 1926 Seek to Revise Ignition Interlock Device Requirements for Drunk Driving Offenders

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Jan 11, 2010, 09:30 ET

TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Legislation was passed by the New Jersey legislature today which, if signed into law, will subject first time DUI high blood alcohol content offenders to use ignition interlock devices. The legislation is applauded by Diageo, the world's largest alcohol manufacturer and a leader in the fight against drunk driving. It is sponsored by New Jersey Assembly members Nelson Albano (D – District 1), and Nancy Munoz (R – District 21), and State Senator James Whelan (D – District 2).

"We congratulate legislators Albano, Munoz and James, and their colleagues for their efforts to pass this important legislation, which will further help in the critical fight against drunk driving," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America. "We strongly encourage Governor Corzine to sign this drunk driving prevention legislation into law."

Continued Smith, "We would hope that all concerned parties would rally around this common sense bill to help make New Jersey's roads safer."

Diageo has worked in legislatures throughout the nation to increase penalties for drunk driving. In addition, Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

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 Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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SOURCE Diageo