GUINNESS Encourages Fans to Take a Time Out From Work This March 17th

NEW YORK, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- March is known for two things: St. Patrick's Day and bracket-busting basketball action.  Imagine if you could experience them simultaneously, all while enjoying a pint of GUINNESS®, the world's most iconic Irish stout.  This dream will soon become a reality as St. Patrick's Day and the start of basketball's most exciting tournament both occur on March 17th this year.  Which is why GUINNESS, the boldest of beers, is calling on consumers to be bold by taking the day off from work to catch every minute of basketball while celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a pint of GUINNESS.

Knowing that, on average, Americans end each year with three unused vacation days (1), GUINNESS has teamed up with one of the boldest basketball players of all time -- Bill Walton -- to declare that now, more than ever, is the year to step up and take the day off from work. It's time to submit that vacation request to enjoy the day, and not worry about clicking 'refresh' on the online score tracker, taking an extra long lunch break, or living vicariously through your friends and their bar visits via social media posts and updates.

"With St. Patrick's Day and a day of must-see basketball both taking place on March 17th this year, I can't think of a better time to take a day off from work," said legendary basketball player Bill Walton. "It's a day to step back, enjoy the important things in life with a perfectly poured pint of GUINNESS and take bold action. If you're the type who plays it safe and is all about picking No. 1 seeds to go all the way in your bracket, this is not for you. But if you like making bold choices, perhaps we'll raise a pint together at a sports bar on St. Patrick's Day!"

No longer should working professionals slip out of the office to catch a glimpse of the second half of their team's opening round game. Now, by using a vacation day, consumers can head to their favorite sports bar to boldly raise a pint of Guinness, support their team and track their bracket.

"From the detailed and precise two-part pour to the bold liquid itself, GUINNESS is a stout in a category of its own," said Patrick Hughes, Brand Director, GUINNESS. "GUINNESS is a beer that celebrates boldness and with the much-anticipated meeting of basketball's finest kicking off on March 17th, we believe it is an ideal day for consumers to be bold, take the day off and responsibly enjoy two great occasions."

Consumers who think they are bold can also test their boldness in beer and basketball by visiting Facebook.com/GuinnessUS to determine if they have what it takes to be part of Team GUINNESS.

"March is always a great time with friends and family, but March 17 this year should be particularly festive with the added excitement of action-packed basketball starting the same day," continued Hughes.  "Whether you're enjoying pints to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, to celebrate basketball, or to celebrate the convergence of both, Guinness reminds you to please drink responsibly."

With a distinct taste and incomparable history, GUINNESS is the bold choice when choosing a beer on St. Patrick's Day and through all the excitement of March. Whether you are celebrating your Irish pride in a pub or are in a crowded sports bar waiting for the shot clock to expire, GUINNESS encourages everyone to enjoy March 17th and to do so responsibly.

About GUINNESS®

GUINNESS® enjoys a global reputation as a uniquely authentic Irish beer and the best-selling stout in the world.  Famous for its dark color, creamy head and unique surge and settle, this distinctive beer has been brewed at the St. James's Gate brewery in Dublin, Ireland since 1759.  Over 10 million glasses of GUINNESS beer are enjoyed every single day around the world, and 1.8 billion pints are sold every year.  GUINNESS is available in well over 100 countries worldwide and is brewed in almost 50.  Also from the makers of GUINNESS, SMITHWICK'S, Ireland's oldest and best selling ale and HARP Lager, whose name pays tribute to the GUINNESS logo and the national symbol of Ireland.  Additional information about GUINNESS can be found at www.guinness.com.

About Diageo

Diageo 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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(1) According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive in 2009

SOURCE GUINNESS®