The Charmer Sunbelt Group, WSWA and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Join Brown-Forman and NFL Legend Joe Theismann to Bring National Safe Tailgating Program to Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-(Business Wire)-January 6, 2009 - The Charmer Sunbelt Group (CSG), one of the country’s leading distributors of spirits and wine, and the Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of America (WSWA) together with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), The Brown-Forman Company and TURF National Spokesman Joe Theismann today unveiled an integrated program designed to promote safe and responsible tailgating at both Florida college and professional football games. Supporting Florida’s zero tolerance policy for drunk driving and underage drinking, members of the TURF Team came to discuss the program today at the State Capital.

Theismann, who played for the NFL’s Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1985, has made TURF a personal passion.

“An estimated 36 million Americans pack coolers and fire up their grills at tailgate parties around the country each season, but the unsportsmanlike conduct of a few fans can endanger the happiness and safety of many others,” said Joe Theismann. “That’s why I’m proud to be a member of the ‘TURF Team’ to support this important program.”

“I congratulate The Charmer Sunbelt Group, The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America and The Brown-Forman Company for tackling this important issue. DBPR’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is a proud partner, and through partnerships like ‘TURF,’ we can capitalize on opportunities to execute our three-tiered approach to deterring underage drinking through education, prevention and enforcement,” stated DBPR Secretary Charles W. Drago.

TURF was created by CSG in partnership with WSWA on behalf of its members to ensure that tailgating remains a safe pre-game tradition for friends and families. The program, which has been introduced in markets served by CSG including New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland, promotes the following strategies for safe and fun tailgating:

Provide ample food for guests before serving alcoholic beverages.
Designate a driver prior to tailgating.
Watch your language around young fans.
Support zero tolerance for underage drinking.
Notify security of any rude, unsportsmanlike or offensive fans.
Respect the fans. Respect your team. Respect the law.
And remember, one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of spirits all have the same alcohol content.

“Fans no longer want themselves or their children exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day experience for everyone. TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement and most important, parents,” said Brian Fischer, Vice President, Community Relations, The Charmer Sunbelt Group.

“Pregame tailgating is a football ritual,” added Craig Wolf, President and Chief Executive of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. “However, irresponsible behavior affects everybody and addressing unruly conduct is a responsibility of everyone. By being a member of the TURF Team, WSWA has an opportunity to be part of the solution, which is consistent with our commitment to becoming the leading voice about responsible distribution of alcoholic beverages.”

Fliers detailing the program’s tips are available at liquor stores across Florida, Drago said. In addition, Theismann’s video public service announcement is airing before professional and college football games in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. Additional information about TURF is available at www.turfzone.org.

“Tailgating before a football game is as American as apple pie, but it is essential that everyone remembers that drinking alcohol to excess can ruin the fun for your party — and for those who have the misfortune of sitting near you at the game,” said Rob Frederick, Director, Corporate Responsibility for Brown-Forman. “The goal of TURF is to inform tailgaters how to have fun without over-doing it.”

“It is extremely important to the Premier Beverage Company of Florida, as a member of The Charmer Sunbelt Group, to preserve Florida’s tailgating tradition by supporting zero tolerance for underage drinking as well as responsible consumption for fans 21 and over,” said Bob Drinon, President of Premier Beverage. “We are grateful for the support of our industry, Secretary Drago and our retail customers for embracing TURF and its message of safe, fun and responsible tailgating.”

About the FL Department of Business & Professional Regulation

The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

About WSWA

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits. Additional information may be found at www.wswa.org.

About The Charmer Sunbelt Group

The Charmer Sunbelt Group (CSG) is one of the leading distributors of spirits, fine wines, beers and bottled water. CSG is a group of affiliated companies operating in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and The District of Columbia, markets which collectively account for more than 40 percent of total US spirit and wine consumption. Together, these companies employ more than 7,000 associates and are proud to actively support the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol products. For more information about CSG, please visit www.charmer-sunbelt.com.

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