Responsible Hospitality Institute Hosts Pennsylvania Sociable City Forum: Investing in a Safe and Vibrant Nighttime Economy

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

News provided by

Diageo

Jun 07, 2010, 12:20 ET

PITTSBURGH, June 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- City leaders and planners, law enforcement officers, bar and restaurant proprietors and neighborhood organization heads from across Pennsylvania and Ohio will discuss 'best practices' to manage 'hospitality zones' in their cities when they meet in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, June 8, for the Pennsylvania Sociable City Forum: Investing in a Safe and Vibrant Nighttime Economy organized by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI).

"The purpose of the conference," said Guy Smith, Executive Vice President of Diageo, the world's leading spirits, beer and wine company and a sponsor of the event, "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 hosted by Pittsburgh City Councilman Bruce Kraus. It will feature presentations by Jerry W. Waters, Sr., Director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and Gamal Hennessy, author of Seize the Night: The Business and Culture of New York Nightlife on the challenges and opportunities that community planners face in managing the nighttime economy. Participants will experience first hand the importance of bringing diverse perspectives of neighborhood groups retailers, government officials, and college representatives 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."

Recipients of the first ever 'Sociable City Awards' -- given by RHI last year -- will also be attending to share their strategies. The winning cities are: the City of San Jose, CA, Gainesville, FL, the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and Seattle, WA. The 'Sociable City Awards' recognize the successful efforts of government, business and community leaders to develop safe, productive and economically profitable nightlife in their cities.

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