Diageo Supports National 'We Don't Serve Teens' Campaign to Prevent Underage Drinking

News provided by

Sep 08, 2010, 07:31 ET

NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks company, announced today its active support of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) anti-underage drinking campaign, We Don't Serve Teens. This national program is dedicated to curbing underage drinking by reminding adults that providing alcohol to teens is unsafe, illegal and irresponsible.

Studies repeatedly find that kids who choose to drink typically get alcohol from adults who knowingly provide it, even though the teens are underage. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that nearly 70 percent of minors who drink do not purchase alcohol themselves. We Don't Serve Teens looks to create safe and responsible communities where teens have no access to alcohol.

"When the public and private sectors join together and work towards a common goal, we can make a difference," said Guy L. Smith, Executive Vice President of Diageo, North America. "If we have any chance of ending underage drinking – and I believe we do – we – parents, teens, teachers, community leaders - need to work together towards a solution-oriented approach that focuses on keeping alcohol out of the hands of anyone under 21. The "We Don't Serve Teens" program shows exceptional leadership on the part of the Federal Trade Commission and we at Diageo are proud to be a part of it."

We Don't Serve Teens provides free English- and Spanish-language resources, including educational materials, print ads and radio announcements, to retail locations across the country to help combat underage drinking by cutting off the source of alcohol to those who are underage. In support of the program, Diageo will work closely with customers to drive awareness of the program throughout the year. For parents, the program offers resources such as information on how to educate their teens on the dangers of drinking, and public service announcements that they can send to their local television and radio stations. Many of these resources are available at www.dontserveteens.gov.

Smith continued, "One of the most powerful places to deliver our message is at the point of sale, a perfect starting point to engage the community. With retailers taking advantage of the right tools to assist staff with responsible sales and training for staff and management on alcohol sales policies, this can be the place communities begin the stand against 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.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo