CONTACT: Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. and the National Center for DWI Courts Applaud the State of Texas for Enacting Life Saving Legislation Legislation Supporting DWI Courts Signed into Law Deerfield, Ill. – August 3, 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) praise the passing of HB 530, Texas legislation that supports and funds DWI Courts in addition to courts that deal with drug offenses. Legislation enacting this court system and treatment program for repeat DWI offenders in Texas was signed into law on June 15. DWI courts deal with hard core and repeat drunk driving offenders by providing long-term, ongoing accountability and rehabilitation in addition to conviction. “Beam Global Spirits & Wine thanks Texas lawmakers including Representative Jerry Madden, Senator Kel Seliger and Governor Rick Perry for enacting and signing this important legislation into law,” said Chris Swonger, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “We continue to support programs that offer solutions that work when it comes to dealing with the issue of hard core drunk driving and are committed to working with states to enact these programs to eliminate drunk driving. We encourage other states to follow Texas’ lead in providing these court systems in their communities.” “We are pleased that Texas has recognized the need for more DWI Courts to tackle the issue of hard core drunk drivers,” stated West Huddleston, CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and acting executive director of the National Center for DWI Courts. “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 other states will adopt DWI Courts and offer this life-saving court system to their communities.” 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. 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. © 2007 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL.
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