Bacardi Supports Florida Efforts to Combat Underage Drinking

Food & Beverage Close-Up, May 9, 2008

FOOD AND BEVERAGE CLOSE-UP-9 May 2008-Bacardi Supports Florida Efforts to Combat Underage Drinking(C)2008 - CloseUpMedia - newsdesk@closeupmedia.com

Bacardi U.S.A., a premium spirits company in the United States, applauds Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and The Century Council, a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, for their involvement in the Make The Right Choice" traveling lecture series.

As a founding member, major contributor and supporter of The Century Council, this program is part of Bacardi's continued commitment to social responsibility. These programs include, among others Alcohol 101," We Don't Serve Teens," Girl Talk" and Ask, Listen, Learn."

The series, which made a visit to Leon High School in Tallahassee before the school hosts its annual prom and graduation ceremonies, features nationally recognized speaker Brandon Silveria, who spoke to the school's students today about the importance of making the right choice" with regard to drinking alcohol. At the age of 17, Brandon was involved in an alcohol-related crash before his senior prom. Brandon, with support from Florida Attorney General McCollum, spoke about his experience and painful on-going recovery while emphasizing the only responsible decision for high school teens is not to drink, nor should they get into a car with anyone who has been drinking.

Research commissioned by The Century Council revealed that 65 percent of teens who drink alcoholic beverages said they obtain the alcohol from family and friends. While only 7 percent of teens reported they buy alcohol from retailers who failed to check for identification.

Bacardi U.S.A. wants to deliver this critical message that underage drinking is dangerous and illegal. We are committed to keeping our products away from those who are not legally eligible to consume them and reminding parents that most underage drinkers get alcohol from friends and family particularly their parents' homes," said Rick Wilson, senior vice president, external affairs for Bacardi U.S.A. As parents, adults and teachers, we need to help teens make the right choice about alcohol consumption and making smart, safe life-saving decisions all year-long, not just during prom and graduation celebrations."

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