Backs Colorado State Legislation Eliminating Alcohol Vapor Machines
STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo, the world's
leading beer, wine and spirits company, and an industry leader in promoting
responsible drinking, announced its support for proposed Colorado legislation
banning AWOL ("Alcohol Without Liquid") machines.
Guy Smith, Diageo North America's Executive Vice President said, "AWOL
machines should be banned in Colorado and the rest of the country because of
concerns that they could encourage alcohol abuse and drunk driving. We
applaud the efforts of Senator Jennifer Veiga and Representative Liane
McFadyen (SB 77) and Senator Bob Hagedorn (SB 34) in their efforts to prohibit
the use and sale of AWOL machines in Colorado 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."
Recently, Diageo also 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.
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, wines,
and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff,
J&B, Baileys, 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 (DEO) and
the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its
people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.
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