Responsibility
America's beer and wine distributors work hard to promote the responsible and legal consumption of alcoholic beverages by sponsoring and participating in many community-based efforts; such as, alcohol education programs in local schools, safe ride home programs, the creation and placement of public service announcements (PSAs) promoting responsibility, education materials, alcohol-free prom and graduation after-parties, safety training courses for alcohol beverage servers, safe boating campaigns and designated driver programs.
Beer & wine wholesalers operate within a strict state-based regulatory system that provides a transparent and accountable chain of custody in the sale of beer and wine, making it easier to enforce state laws and local ordinances. Working with their supplier and retailer partners, the American men and women of the beer and wine distribution industry play a critical role in the effort to eliminate drunk driving, alcohol abuse and the underage purchase and consumption of alcohol.
PREVENTING DRUNK DRIVING
Because alcohol beverages are available at many social events, beer & wine distributors actively promote responsible consumption and the use of designated drivers. They also sponsor alternative transportation programs to help ensure that no one who has had too much to drink gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Currently NC beer distributors are lending their support toward a new push by North Carolina Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) chapter to strengthen penalites for drunk driving and support law enforcement's use of technology to identify offenders. Carolina beer distributors believe the best approach to combat drunk driving is to support effective, state-based solutions. NCBWWA supports the mandatory use of ignition interlocks for offenders with multiple DWI convictions and for drivers convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher, even for a first time offense.
Responsible Party Planning Guidelines
- Make certain alcohol is consumed by those of legal drinking age only.
- Make a list of taxicab services and phone numbers in your community.
- Always serve food with alcohol. Good food not only complements the beverages your guests are consuming but it also moderates the effects of alcohol.
- In addition to alcohol beverages, provide a variety of drinks including coffee, soft drinks, fruit juice, bottle water and non-alcoholic beer.
- Never force licensed beverages on your guests. Spacing drinks can help guests stay within their personal limits.
- Encourage moderate consumption by deciding ahead of time the amount of alcohol beverages to include. Consider how long your event will last and calculate about one drink per hour for each guest. A "drink" is defined as 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, 5 ounces of table wine, 3 ounces of fortified wine, or 12 ounces of regular beer.
- Stop serving alcohol one hour before the party ends. Remember, it takes approximately one hour for the body to metabolize one drink.
- Consider hiring a bartender trained in professional and responsible serving methods so guests do not pour their own drinks. A trained bartender will be equipped to determine whether a guest has had too much to drink.
- Never hesitate to take the keys away from someone who has had too much to drink. Be prepared to call a taxicab or provide a room in your home for a guest to stay over.
FIGHTING UNDERAGE DRINKING
Growing up has never been easy, and teens often face tough decisions. Beer and wine distributors are committed to ensuring that the products they provide are consumed legally, responsibly and safely. They work hard to educate families, students, teachers and school administrators about the consequences of illegal alcohol consumption. Hearing first-hand stories about the consequences of alcohol abuse can have a profound effect on students as they are confronted with making the right choices.
STOP Act
On December 20, 2006, President George W. Bush signed into law the "Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking Act" (STOP Act). Successful passage of the bill was achieved through the collaborative efforts of the bill's congressional sponsors, NBWA and its industry partners. The law establishes a federal coordinating committee to prevent underage drinking and authorizes a national media campaign, new grant programs and research to combat underage drinking. The STOP law also acknowledges the important role state-based regulation of alcohol beverages plays in keeping alcohol out of the hands of youth. The STOP law will significantly bolster efforts to educate our nation's youth and parents about the dangers of underage drinking.