RESPONSIBILITY MESSAGE

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association and its member companies have a strong commitment to promoting responsible consumption of alcohol and fighting underage drinking and drunk driving.

This is accomplished through responsible advertising, strict codes of conduct and, in many cases, award-winning initiatives to educate the public on common-sense guidelines for drinking and setting an example of moderation to our youth.

Click on any of the links below to learn more about our member’s responsibility pledges and programs.

Several of our members adhere to the DISCUS Code of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing (the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States). Read more about the DISCUS code here: http://www.discus.org/responsibility/code.asp.

Many KDA members also are partners with The Century Council, a national, independent, not-for-profit organization that is a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking, and promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol. You can learn more about The Century Council at http://www.centurycouncil.org.

Every five years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture publishes the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to provide authoritative advice on how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce the risk for major chronic diseases.

The latest 2005 edition lists these key guidelines for alcohol consumption:

• Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so sensibly and in moderation – defined as the consumption of up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• Alcoholic beverages should not be consumed by some individuals, including those who cannot restrict their alcohol intake, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant, pregnant and lactating women, children and adolescents, individuals taking medications that can interact with alcohol and those with specific medical conditions.
• Alcoholic beverages should be avoided by individuals engaging in activities that require attention, skill, or coordination, such as driving or operating machinery.

You can read more of their findings and recommendations at http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/pdf/Chapter9.pdf