Innovative Partnership Promotes Conviction Coupled with Ongoing Treatment and Accountability for Hard Core and Repeat Drunk Drivers

 

Deerfield, Ill. – May 2, 2007 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], a global leader in premium spirits and wine, today announced a ground-breaking partnership with the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) to help eliminate hard core and repeat drunk driving.  The parties revealed their inaugural initiative today at a press conference on Capitol Hill, where they unveiled the launch of America’s first-ever, dedicated National Center for DWI Courts.  NADCP has established the National Center for DWI Courts to raise awareness about the effectiveness of DWI Courts and to provide training and research to court personnel as DWI Courts are launched throughout the country.  DWI courts deal with hard core and repeat drunk driving offenders by providing long-term, ongoing accountability and rehabilitation in addition to conviction.

 

A founding partner of the National Center for DWI Courts, Beam Global donated $50,000 to underscore its commitment to eliminating drunk driving.  Members of Congress, traffic safety experts, DWI Court judges and prosecutors and law enforcement officials assembled today to support the launch of the National Center for DWI Courts.  Professional race car drivers and long time supporters of the fight against drunk driving –Michael Andretti and Robby Gordon – participated to bring awareness to the life-saving efforts of DWI Courts.

 

“Beam Global Spirits & Wine is committed to eliminating drunk driving,” said Chris Swonger, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Beam Global Spirits & Wine.  “We applaud the launch of the National Center for DWI Courts and the effort that NADCP judges have made through DWI Courts to tackle the problem with solutions that work.  We are proud to partner with NADCP on this important issue and believe that our partnership will encourage others to support these remarkable courts that are making a difference in the fight to eliminate hard core drunk driving.”

 

“We are grateful to Beam Global for taking a leadership stance against hard core and repeat drunk driving,” stated West Huddleston, chief executive officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.  “The need is great to have a court-focused institute for repeat and hard core drunk driving offences.  Law enforcement does a remarkable job at detecting these dangerous and impaired drivers.  Now, it is up to the courts in every community to implement strategies that significantly reduce drunk driving recidivism.  Research has shown us that hard core and repeat drunk driving offenders require higher levels of accountability and long-term treatment.  Through our DWI Court programs, we have proven that blending long-term treatment with the accountability, immediacy and certainty of court response works more effectively than punishment alone.  We hope to build on that success by raising awareness for expanding the program.”

 

“Graduates of the DWI Court program can turn themselves around after they receive help, making our roads safer for everyone,” stated The Honorable Kent Lawrence, Clarke County, Georgia DWI Court Judge and member of the NADCP board of directors.  “Thank you to all DWI Court judges for supporting our efforts.  The partnership between NADCP and Beam Global is a good example of how the public and private sectors can work together to battle drunk driving.  I hope it will inspire others to follow suit and support DWI Courts.”

 

Michael Andretti and Robby Gordon are long-standing supporters of Beam Global’s efforts to fight drunk driving.  They have appeared together in public service announcements that urge the public to consume adult beverages responsibly.

 

          “In my job, I know better than anyone the importance of good judgment and split-second decision making,” said Michael Andretti.  “I implore the public not to drive drunk, and I fully support programs that are proven to help reduce the instances of drunk driving, such as DWI Courts.”

         

          “I am impressed with the results NADCP has achieved with its DWI Courts,” commented Robby Gordon.  “I would like to offer my appreciation to Beam Global for supporting the National Center for DWI Courts and for including me in their efforts to help raise awareness for this program.  I hope the program continues to expand.”

 

Beam Global Spirits & Wine continues to be committed to supporting programs for consumers on how to make responsible decisions about alcohol and encourages them to follow these basic laws and principles:

 

·         If you’re under 21, don’t drink.

·         If you’re of legal purchase age and choose to drink, do so in moderation.

·         Never drive drunk.

·         If you can’t drink responsibly, don’t drink at all. 

 

Beam Global is a member of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization devoted to eradicating underage drinking and drunk driving, and has supported a variety of its programs over several years.  In 2006, Beam Global sponsored The Century Council’s “Alcohol 101 Plus™” and “65 percent” programs throughout the country in collaboration with Michael Andretti and Robby Gordon.

 

Michael Andretti is a team owner of the Andretti Green Racing (AGR) team.  Fellow AGR team driver Dario Franchitti races the No. 27 car sponsored by Canadian Club® Canadian whisky.  Robby Gordon is the only owner-driver in the NASCAR® League and races the No. 7 Ford Fusion car sponsored by Jim Beam® Bourbon.