WASHINGTON, DC — Tennessee Representative Joe Carr (R-48) has been recognized by The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, for his outstanding commitment to fighting underage drinking. Representative Carr was one of only 12 state legislators from across the country to be honored for his ongoing dedication.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, there were 11,773 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in 2008, with 5,174 of them being persons between the ages of 12 and 20. Understanding the scope of this national epidemic, this year’s award recipients joined The Century Council to help educate youth and their parents from about responsible decision-making concerning beverage alcohol.
Representative Carr sponsored legislation critical in the fight against underage drinking. HB 250 ensures that adults who knowingly allow youth to consume alcohol may be prosecuted under a law that was approved by state Senators in the 2009 legislative session. The bill closes a loophole regarding underage drinking by applying it to all youths banned from consuming alcohol under Tennessee law. Representative Carr understands that parents and friends are the main source of alcohol for youth, and The Century Council commends his efforts to ensure that those who furnish alcohol to youth are held accountable.
The Century Council is a not-for-profit organization funded by distillers including Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Global Spirits & Wines, Inc., Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc. Through legislation, education, and public awareness campaigns, The Century Council promotes responsible decision-making regarding beverage alcohol, focusing on drunk driving and underage drinking. Since 1991, the companies that fund The Century Council have invested more than $175 million in its programs.
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