"We Don't Serve Teens" Campaign Recognized by House Resolution

Business Wire, Sept 25, 2008

U.S. House of Representatives Backs Alcohol Industry's Social Responsibility Campaign to Combat Underage Drinking

WASHINGTON -- The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) hailed last night's resolution by the U.S. House of Representatives that formally recognizes the "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign.

House Resolution 1042, co-sponsored by Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) and more than 100 other members of Congress, and championed by WSWA, lauds the industry's efforts in the fight against underage access to alcoholic beverages. The House resolution complements a similar Senate resolution (Senate Resolution 318) that was passed a year ago, which was also spearheaded by WSWA.

"In commending the 'We Don't Serve Teens' campaign, the House resolution emphasizes the key role of the three-tier system in ensuring the responsible distribution of beverage alcohol and preventing underage access," said WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf.

The resolution notes that Congress previously affirmed the critical role of the three-tier system (manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer) in preventing underage access to alcohol, through enactment in 2005 of the Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act (STOP Act).

As part of its participation in the "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign, WSWA distributed over 100,000 point-of-sale materials to bars, restaurants and package stores all across the country. WSWA partnered with the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the American Beverage Licensees, the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, the Century Council and the Beer Institute to support the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the implementation of this important public service campaign.

Last year, the partnership generated an unprecedented 1.1 billion advertising impressions and was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate and officials from 40 states.

"Like last year's Senate resolution, the House resolution recognizes that our members not only talk the talk about social responsibility but also walk the walk," added Wolf.

The "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign was founded and is coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The campaign is also supported by a wide range of entities, including state and federal elected officials, policymakers, law enforcement and regulatory officials and national advocacy groups. Among its key contributors: The U.S. Department of the Treasury, the National Consumers League and Students Against Destructive Decisions.

More information on "We Don't Serve Teens" and other efforts to fight underage drinking, including the full language of the Senate and House resolutions, can be found at www.wswa.org.

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits.

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