Diageo Sponsors Responsible Hospitality Institute Colorado Sociable City Forum: Investing in a Safe and Vibrant Nighttime Economy

Event Gathers Colorado Government, Business and Community Leaders to Discuss Best Practices for Managing and Developing Nightlife in their Cities

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Diageo

Jun 14, 2010, 04:39 ET

DENVER, June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- City leaders and planners, law enforcement officers, bar and restaurant proprietors and neighborhood organization heads from across Colorado will discuss 'best practices' to manage 'hospitality zones' in their cities when they meet in Denver on Tuesday, June 15, for the Colorado Sociable City Forum: Investing in a Safe and Vibrant Nighttime Economy organized by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) and sponsored in part by Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company.

"The purpose of the conference," said Guy Smith, Executive Vice President of Diageo, "is to help cities foster hospitality zones that will enhance city nightlife and expand tourism and trade, while satisfying the standards of community residents and reducing the risks of irresponsible behavior." Diageo has been a major supporter of RHI since 2001.

The day-long event is being co-hosted with Downtown Colorado, Inc. Following a welcome by Tamara Door, President & CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership will be an open forum discussion on Colorado's nighttime economy by:

Donald Pesek, Director of Operations of the Downtown Denver Partnership
Katherine Correll, Executive Director of Downtown Colorado Inc.
Laura Harris, Director of Division of Liquor Enforcement at the Colorado Department of Revenue
Mary Ann Mahoney, Executive Director of the Boulder Convention & Visitors Bureau
Peter Meersman, President & CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association
Rick Holman, Breckenridge Chief of Police and member of the Colorado Association of Chiefs
Deborah Dilley, Commander of the Denver Police Department
Susan Wood, President of the Colorado Planning Association

Participants will experience first-hand the importance of bringing diverse perspectives of neighborhood groups, retailers, and government officials to make nighttime economies safe and enjoyable for everyone.

"The forum is especially important now," said Jim Peters, Founder and President of RHI, "because of the trend toward downtown and center city living and, with it, demand for more dining and entertainment options. Changing demographics are driving growth in the over 50 and under 30 populations, who are often seeking socializing options during different time periods."

The RHI is holding a series of Sociable City Forums in nearly a dozen cities nationwide during Summer and Fall of 2010.

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.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI)

RHI is a private, non-profit organization that has been assisting businesses and communities in creating safe and vibrant places to socialize since 1983.

SOURCE Diageo