Washington, D.C. —  The STOP Act, a federal bill that provides for programs and activities aimed at preventing underage drinking was passed by the U.S. Congress with the support of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The Century Council and the distilled spirits companies which fund us, Bacardi USA, Inc., Brown-Forman, Constellation Brands, Inc., DIAGEO, Future Brands LLC, Hood River Distillers, Inc., and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc., are in total opposition to underage drinking. The Council has worked tirelessly over the past 15 years to develop and implement educational programs and awareness campaigns to help parents, teachers, students, and other stakeholders that underage drinking is irresponsible, illegal, and dangerous.

Despite signs that progress is being made in the fight against underage drinking, it remains a persistent problem among our nation's youth. Any amount of underage drinking is too much.

The STOP Act marks the first time in recent history that all stakeholders in the fight against underage drinking have united around legislation to prevent and reduce underage drinking. We applaud the efforts of all involved. We hope that we can continue to make progress by working together.

The Century Council, funded by America’s leading distillers, is a national, independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking and to promoting responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol. For more information, visit www.centurycouncil.org.