Diageo supports ban on 'Alcohol Without Liquid' Machines

09/08/05 Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, and an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, announced its support for proposed legislation in Michigan banning AWOL ("Alcohol Without Liquid") machines.

Guy Smith, Diageo North America's Executive Vice President said, "AWOL machines should be banned in Michigan and the rest of the country because of concerns that they could encourage alcohol abuse and drunk driving.  We applaud the efforts of Representative Rick Jones [HB 5067] and Representative Jeff Mayes [HB 5064] in their efforts to prohibit the use and sale of AWOL machines in Michigan and raise awareness about the potential dangers of these machines."

AWOL machines enable consumers to inhale alcohol vapors.  "We oppose AWOL machines simply because they're not responsible," said Smith.  "We are wholly committed to the responsible sale, marketing, advertising and consumption of our products and that's why we work hard to prevent underage drinking and promote responsible behaviors among adults."

Although all alcohol products sold in America must be federally approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), AWOL machines have yet to receive such approval.  Said Smith: "We operate in the most highly regulated industry and all of our products -- and those of our competitors -- have been carefully scrutinized by the TTB.  These AWOL machines have yet to face this same oversight."

Diageo took action against the distributors of the AWOL machine for their unauthorized use of the SMIRNOFF(R) trademark on their website. In response to a cease and desist notice from Diageo, the SMIRNOFF trademark was removed from the site.

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 200 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/08-08-2005/0004084534&EDATE=