The Charmer Sunbelt Group, WSWA and PA Liquor Control Board Join Penn State, Brown-Forman and NFL Legend Joe Theismann to Bring National Safe Tailgating Program to Pennsylvania

Business Wire, Oct 23, 2008

TURF - 'Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun' - brings together beverage alcohol industry leaders with educators and sporting stars to promote safe and responsible tailgating

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The Charmer Sunbelt Group (CSG), one of the country's leading distributors of spirits and wine, together with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), The Brown-Forman Company, Penn State University and TURF National Spokesman Joe Theismann today unveiled an integrated program designed to promote safe and responsible tailgating at Pennsylvania sporting events. Representatives of the participating organizations discussed the program today at the Capital Rotunda. Also joining the press conference were representatives from the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers who wanted to lend their support to today's announcement.

"Tailgating is a beloved American pastime, and we understand how much fun it can be for fans," said Patrick 'P.J.' Stapleton III, Chairman of the Liquor Control Board. "Unfortunately, some people take their excitement to a level that disturbs and even endangers others. That's why we've partnered with this great team to bring TURF to Pennsylvania."

Theismann, who played for the NFL's Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1985, has made TURF a personal passion.

"An estimated 36 million Americans pack coolers and fire up their grills at tailgate parties around the country each season, but the unsportsmanlike conduct of a few fans can endanger the happiness and safety of many others," Theismann said. "That's why I'm proud to work with these outstanding organizations to support this important program."

TURF, which will continue through the conclusion of this football season and beyond, was created by CSG to ensure that tailgating remains a safe pre-game tradition for friends and families. The program, which was recently introduced in markets served by CSG, promotes several strategies for safe and fun tailgating:

* Provide ample food for guests before serving alcoholic beverages.

* Designate a driver prior to tailgating.

* Watch your language around young fans.

* Support zero tolerance for underage drinking.

* Notify security of any rude, unsportsmanlike or offensive fans.

* Respect the fans. Respect your team. Respect the law.

* And remember, one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of spirits all have the same alcohol content.

"TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement and most important, fans who no longer want themselves or their children exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day experience for everyone," said Brian Fischer, Vice President, Community Relations, The Charmer Sunbelt Group.

Fliers detailing the program's tips will be available at PLCB Wine & Spirits Stores, Stapleton said. In addition, Theismann's video public service announcement is on Penn State Live (www.live.psu.edu), the university's news Web site, and will run on PantherVision during Pitt home games at Heinz Field. A radio public service announcement will also air during broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers games. Additional information about TURF is available at www.turfzone.org.

"Penn State is committed to ensuring fans of all ages a safe and memorable tailgating experience," said Bill Mahon, Vice President for University Relations at Penn State.

"Penn State is proud to add TURF to the broad range of initiatives designed to curb dangerous drinking that have been ongoing at Penn State for more than a decade. This is a national problem, and having a broad range of efforts in place to curb it is the best solution."

"Tailgating is a traditional part of college football Saturdays across the country," said Steve Pederson, Athletic Director at Pitt. "We want to encourage enjoyable yet safe tailgating at Heinz Field, ensuring a great Pitt football experience from start to finish for everyone."

"It is extremely important to Capital Wine & Spirits, as a member of The Charmer Sunbelt Group, to protect Pennsylvania's tailgating tradition by supporting zero tolerance for underage drinking and responsible consumption for adult fans," said Kevin Karcher, President of Capital Wine & Spirits. "We are grateful for the support of our industry, the Commonwealth and the retail community in promoting TURF and its messages of safe, fun and responsible tailgating."

"Tailgating before a football game is as American as apple pie, but it is essential that everyone remembers that drinking alcohol to excess can ruin the fun for your party -- and for those who have the misfortune of sitting near you at the game," said James O'Malley, Senior Vice President and Director of Global Corporate Affairs for Brown-Forman. "The goal of TURF is to inform tailgaters how to have fun without over-doing it."

"Pregame tailgating is a football ritual," added Craig Wolf, President and Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. "However, irresponsible behavior affects everybody and addressing unruly conduct is a responsibility of everyone. Through TURF, WSWA has an opportunity to be part of the solution, which is consistent with our commitment to becoming the leading voice on responsible distribution of alcoholic beverages."