Diageo Supports 'Girl Talk' Initiative in Atlanta

/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company is proud to support 'Girl Talk,' a program designed to raise awareness on the dangers of underage drinking specific to teenage girls. Tailored and unique to its demographic, the anti-drinking initiative is spearheaded by The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization funded by some of America's leading distillers and dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The 'Girl Talk' program was introduced yesterday to students at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta.

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker and the President and CEO of The Century Council, Ralph Blackman, were on hand to discuss alcohol related issues with the audience. Representatives from The Century Council and other organizations also offered their insight and guidance during the presentation and further engaged students in meaningful dialogue.

"Diageo is proud to support a program like 'Girl Talk' to educate young women about the risks involved with underage drinking," said Barry Becton, Senior Director State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "As the world's leading beverage alcohol company, we want to make it clear that we don't want the business of those under the legal drinking age. Period."

Although underage drinking trends are declining, the genesis for 'Girl Talk' is based on a survey conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited (TRU) that found mothers underestimate the occurrence of underage drinking among their own daughters. The survey also found a lack of communication between mothers and teenage daughters. Designed to address the communication gap, 'Girl Talk' encourages mothers and daughters to engage in an ongoing dialogue about the dangers of underage drinking and the specific risks facing teenage daughters.

Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of America's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking. These programs include 'Ask, Listen, Learn,' 'Cops in Shops,' 'Brandon Tells His Story' and 'Girl Talk.' The Century Council also works with a broad array of education and prevention professionals on alcohol issues.

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