John Walker & Sons Urges Americans to Join the Pact and Designate a Driver

Brand brings the HOUSE OF WALKER® to Austin during Formula 1 to drive awareness around responsible drinking

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Nov 19, 2014, 02:17 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, the makers of Johnnie Walker® scotch brought the HOUSE OF WALKER® to Austin, Texas during Formula 1's Circuit of the Americas race to drive awareness around the brand's "Join the Pact" responsible drinking program. The number one Scotch whisky in the world is committed to encouraging responsible drinking and preventing drunk driving, and has placed responsible drinking at the heart of its nine-year partnership with the McLaren Mercedes F1 Team. One of (Johnnie Walker parent company) Diageo's most successful responsible drinking platforms to date, "Join the Pact" asks consumers everywhere to pledge to designate a driver via the hashtag #ImNOTDriving.

Since the 2008 launch of the program, more than one million pledges have been collected in over 40 countries worldwide. The campaign's global goal is to collect five million more commitments by 2018. To honor these commitments, the makers of Johnnie Walker® scotch will give away one kilometer of safe rides home for every pledge made.

"The choice to make responsible decisions and designate a driver is one that involves the whole community," said Brian Cox, Diageo's Scotch Director. "That is why we're asking people to tap into their social networks and announce to their friends, families and colleagues #ImNotDriving."

As part of the campaign, John Walker & Sons revamped the HOUSE OF WALKER®, the traveling home of the iconic Scotch whisky brand, to highlight the partnership, offering guests an inside look at the world of Formula 1 racing. John Walker & Sons Responsible Drinking Ambassador and 2009 Formula 1 Grand Prix Champion Jenson Button stopped by the HOUSE OF WALKER® to encourage guests to "Join the Pact" by signing a branded Mercedes car.

"Join the Pact is about trying to make our roads safer and stopping people from drunk driving," explained Button. "As an F1 driver staying in control is really important and something I really understand, it's very important to ensuring your own safety and the safety of others. Through Join the Pact I am hoping to inspire people to make the commitment to designate a driver and make sure they get home safely."

To Join the Pact, tweet @JohnnieWalkerUS using #ImNOTdriving and to view the film and track pledges, visit JoinThePact.com.

About Johnnie Walker®
Johnnie Walker is the world's number-one selling Scotch whisky brand, representing the idea of personal progress for the many people who enjoy it in more than 180 countries worldwide. John Walker pioneered blending when he founded the business in 1820 and never looked back, growing it from a grocer's own Scotch whisky into a stylish, global icon. It's that same forward-looking perspective that drives the brand, and its consumers, today. The U.S. range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker® Red Label®, Johnnie Walker® Black Label®, Johnnie Walker Double Black®, Johnnie Walker® Gold Label Reserve®, Johnnie Walker Platinum Label® and Johnnie Walker® Blue Label®. For more information visit www.johnniewalker.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @JohnnieWalkerUS. #KeepWalking

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

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SOURCE Diageo