WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the
world's leading spirits, wine and beer company and industry leader
in promoting responsible drinking, applauds Washington, DC officials for temporarily
passing the Comprehensive Impaired Driving Act of 2012. The Act
raises penalties against drunk driving offenders starting
August 1, until the permanent
legislation is put to vote by Congress.
"If permanently passed, this legislation will mark a milestone
in Washington, DC's battle against
drunk driving, and we applaud the DC city council, Attorney General
Irvin Nathan and Mayor Vincent Gray on their efforts thus far," said
Dwayne Kratt, Senior Director of
State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "While
drunk driving statistics have shown great improvement across the
country over the past several years, there is still work to be
done. This new emergency legislation sends a strong message to the
District that drunk driving will not be tolerated, and offenders
will be prosecuted and sentenced appropriately. We urge Congress to
permanently approve this law in an effort to help Washington, DC continue to combat
alcohol-impaired driving."
Under the Comprehensive Impaired Driving Act of 2012, repeat
drunk driving offenders and drivers with very high breath alcohol
scores will face increased jail sentences and higher fines.
Additionally, it includes new provisions for impaired drivers of
commercial vehicles including taxi cabs, limos, shuttle buses and
18-wheelers. The law also provides prosecutors with additional
tools in court if repeat offenders refuse a BAC test. The emergency
law will be voted on by Congress this fall.
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, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor,
Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One
vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose
Cuervo, Tanqueray, Guinness, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards
Wines.
Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than
180 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 Diageo.com. For our global resource that
promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice
tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
SOURCE Diageo