Diageo Thanks Connecticut Legislature and Governor for Continuing to Modernize Beverage Alcohol Laws

NORWALK, Conn., May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At the start of the Memorial Day weekend, Diageo employees are now able to "raise a pouch" to thank Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy for signing a bill to allow the sale of malt-based beverages in convenient pouch packaging.   Public Act 13-27, H.B. 6540, sponsored by Senate Environment Committee Chair Ed Meyer (Democrat-Senate District 12) and House Environment Committee Chair Linda Gentile (Democrat-Assembly District 104), advances the Connecticut legislature's efforts to continue modernizing Connecticut's beverage alcohol laws.

"This year's Pouch bill and last year's Sunday Sales laws respond to Connecticut consumers' demand for more access and put Connecticut in a more competitive position with neighboring states," said Guy L. Smith IV, Executive Vice President, Diageo North America. "We hope in the near future the legislature and governor will enact consumer-friendly pricing reform."

The bill was signed today, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and the traditional start of the summer outdoor entertaining season.  It is effective immediately, enabling Connecticut retailers to begin carrying Diageo products like Parrot Bay and Smirnoff Pouches in time to serve at the beach, for holiday picnics, and at backyard barbeques.

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, J&B, 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