Bacardi USA Supports Efforts to Combat Underage Drinking in Florida

Applauds Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and The Century Council for Prom and Graduation Initiative AG McCollum and Teen Survivor Visit to Tallahassee-Area High School Part of Bacardi's On-Going Commitment to Social Responsibility

As a founding member, major contributor and supporter of The Century Council, this program is part of Bacardi's continued commitment to social responsibility. These programs include, among others "Alcohol 101," "We Don't Serve Teens," "Girl Talk" and "Ask, Listen, Learn."

The series, which made a visit to Leon High School in Tallahassee before the school hosts its annual prom and graduation ceremonies, features nationally recognized speaker Brandon Silveria, who spoke to the school's students today about the importance of "making the right choice" with regard to drinking alcohol. At the age of 17, Brandon was involved in an alcohol-related crash before his senior prom. Brandon, with support from Florida Attorney General McCollum, spoke about his experience and painful on-going recovery while emphasizing the only responsible decision for high school teens is not to drink, nor should they get into a car with anyone who has been drinking.

Research commissioned by The Century Council revealed that 65 percent of teens who drink alcoholic beverages said they obtain the alcohol from family and friends. While only 7 percent of teens reported they buy alcohol from retailers who failed to check for identification.

"Bacardi U.S.A. wants to deliver this critical message that underage drinking is dangerous and illegal. We are committed to keeping our products away from those who are not legally eligible to consume them and reminding parents that most underage drinkers get alcohol from friends and family--particularly their parents' homes," said Rick Wilson, senior vice president, external affairs for Bacardi U.S.A. "As parents, adults and teachers, we need to help teens make the right choice about alcohol consumption and making smart, safe life-saving decisions all year-long, not just during prom and graduation celebrations."

Through educational efforts such as the Silveria lecture and video program, The Century Council educates students across the country about the hazards of underage drinking and driving. Since Brandon and his father Tony have become spokespeople for The Century Council, they have addressed more than two million high school students nationwide.

Brandon's story may be found on The Century Council website by visiting http://www.centurycouncil.org/underage/brandon.html.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI(R) rum, the world's number-one selling rum; GREY GOOSE(R) vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S(R) Blended Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R) gin, the fastest-growing premium gin in the spirits industry; CAZADORES(R) blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI & ROSSI(R) vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.

About The Century Council

The Century Council is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Founded in 1991, The Council is funded by distillers. For more information on The Council and its mission, please log onto www.centurycouncil.org.