Diageo Applauds Washington, DC Officials on Drunk Driving Emergency Legislation and Urges Congress to Approve the Initiative

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company and industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, applauds Washington, DC officials for temporarily passing the Comprehensive Impaired Driving Act of 2012. The Act raises penalties against drunk driving offenders starting August 1, until the permanent legislation is put to vote by Congress.

"If permanently passed, this legislation will mark a milestone in Washington, DC's battle against drunk driving, and we applaud the DC city council, Attorney General Irvin Nathan and Mayor Vincent Gray on their efforts thus far," said Dwayne Kratt, Senior Director of State Government Relations, Diageo North America.  "While drunk driving statistics have shown great improvement across the country over the past several years, there is still work to be done. This new emergency legislation sends a strong message to the District that drunk driving will not be tolerated, and offenders will be prosecuted and sentenced appropriately. We urge Congress to permanently approve this law in an effort to help Washington, DC continue to combat alcohol-impaired driving."

Under the Comprehensive Impaired Driving Act of 2012, repeat drunk driving offenders and drivers with very high breath alcohol scores will face increased jail sentences and higher fines. Additionally, it includes new provisions for impaired drivers of commercial vehicles including taxi cabs, limos, shuttle buses and 18-wheelers. The law also provides prosecutors with additional tools in court if repeat offenders refuse a BAC test. The emergency law will be voted on by Congress this fall.

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, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards Wines.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold 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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SOURCE Diageo