Well hello again!  I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on NoBullBar.com but rest assured – the blog is back in action and raring to go.

And what better way to reenter the blogosphere than by referring you to a story from this past weekend’s New York Times, “Citing Safety, States Ban Alcohol Inhalers” which discusses Alcohol Without Liquid – or AWOL – machines. The story says: “Neither the liquor industry nor antidrinking groups have been leading the push to ban the devices.”

This is blatantly false.  Diageo has been leading the charge against AWOL machines since they first made an appearance here in the US.  The New York Times got it wrong plain and simple so I wrote them a letter telling them just that.  But, as they reminded me in an automated reply to my email, “because of the volume of letters received” they are unable to respond to or print all of the letters.

So in case it doesn’t get published, I wanted to share with you my response to this erroneous article and reiterate Diageo’s position on AWOL machines.

To: The New York Times – Letter to the Editor
Submitted: October 10, 2006

Dear Editor:

Your article “Citing Safety, States Ban Alcohol Inhalers” (10/8/06) correctly raises the dangerous nature of the AWOL or Alcohol Without Liquid machines that allow people to inhale alcohol vapors. 

Pure and simple, AWOL machines encourage drunkenness and irresponsible consumption, and unlike all other alcohol products, they are not approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) – the Federal agency that regulates our business.

We believe a fine single malt, a cold beer or a hearty red wine are to be savored, not inhaled.  As an industry leader in promoting responsible drinking, my company has publicly supported banning AWOL machines in every state where such legislation has been introduced.  We applaud state legislators like those in Kentucky who lead efforts to prohibit the use and sale of the machines. 

In an industry where public policy advocates and corporations rarely see eye-to-eye, this is one instance where we are united.

Sincerely,
Guy L. Smith
Executive Vice President
Corporate Relations
Diageo North America