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BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE INC. AND THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DWI COURTS SUPPORT NORTH CAROLINA DWI TREATMENT COURTS
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Oct 11, 2007, 13:13

BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE INC. AND THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR DWI COURTS SUPPORT NORTH CAROLINA DWI TREATMENT COURTS

DWI Courts Promote Conviction Coupled with Ongoing

Treatment and Accountability for Hard Core and Repeat Drunk Drivers

Deerfield, Ill. – October 12, 2007 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], a global leader in premium spirits and wine, and the National Center for DWI Courts (NCDC) joined forces today to raise awareness about the effectiveness of DWI Treatment Courts in North Carolina, where nearly 600 people are killed each year by drunk drivers.  DWI Courts deal with hardcore and repeat drunk driving offenders by providing long-term, ongoing accountability and rehabilitation in addition to conviction. 

DWI Court judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials assembled today to support North Carolina Treatment Courts.  Professional racecar driver and long time supporter of the fight against drunk driving, 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 Matt Stanton, vice president of corporate affairs, Beam Global Spirits & Wine.  “We continue to support programs that offer solutions that work and are committed to working with states to establish more DWI Courts. We are proud to partner with NCDC 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 pleased that North Carolina has had great success with DWI Courts and encourage the state to use additional funds to establish more Treatment Courts in the state,” stated West Huddleston, executive director of the National Center for DWI Courts and the chief executive officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.  “Through DWI Court programs already established throughout the country, 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 DWI and Treatment Courts in North Carolina and throughout the country.”

Mecklenburg County, N.C. [Judicial District 26], implemented the nation’s first DWI Treatment Court. North Carolina has long been a leader in the establishment and success of Treatment Courts. Mecklenburg DWI Treatment Courts serve an average of 137 high-risk, high-need DWI offenders per year. Nearly half of those will successfully graduate, while approximately 77 percent of these offenders remain actively engaged in treatment for longer than six months.

“Graduates of the DWI Court program are turning themselves around after they receive help, making our roads safer for everyone,” stated The Honorable Philip Howerton, N.C. District 26 DWI Treatment Court.  “North Carolina is a great example for other court systems.  We hope the state continues to support Treatment Courts and encourage other states to follow North Carolina’s lead.”

Robby Gordon is a long-standing supporter of Beam Global’s efforts to fight drunk driving.  He appeared with race car legend, Michael Andretti, in public service announcements that urge the public to consume adult beverages responsibly.

           “I am impressed with the results of 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 North Carolina and other states continue to expand their DWI Treatment Court programs.”

Beam Global and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) partnered in May to launch the National Center for DWI Courts, which focuses solely on hard core and repeat drunk driving offenders.  A founding partner of the National Center for DWI Courts, Beam Global donated $50,000 to underscore its commitment to eliminating drunk driving.  NCDC raises awareness about the effectiveness of DWI Courts and provides training and research to court personnel as DWI Courts are launched throughout the country. 

Beam Global is also a strong contributor of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization that is funded by leading distillers and dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.  The Century Council promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and discourages all forms of irresponsible consumption through education, communication, research, law enforcement and other programs.  More information about The Century Council can be found at www.centurycouncil.org.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Starbucks™ Liqueurs and Clos du Bois® Wines.  Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion.  For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About North Carolina DWI and Drug Treatment Courts

North Carolina has 34 operational Treatment Courts serving 26 counties. An additional six districts/counties are actively planning implementation of a Treatment Court. For more information, visit www.nccourts.org/Citizens/CPrograms/DTC.