NFL Legend Joe Theismann Joins PA Liquor Control Board, Charmer Sunbelt Group to...

NFL Legend Joe Theismann Joins PA Liquor Control Board, Charmer Sunbelt Group
to Promote Safe Tailgating in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As millions of
Pennsylvanians kickoff football games with tailgate parties, the Liquor
Control Board, Charmer Sunbelt Group, Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh
and State Police today said they are joining forces to make sure that these
pre-gridiron experiences are responsible and fun.

"TURF - Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun" is a national
public-awareness campaign that is debuting today in Pennsylvania. It features
former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann, promotes safe and responsible
tailgating, and is underwritten in Pennsylvania by the LCB's industry
partners: Charmer Sunbelt Group, Capital Wine & Spirits, Brown-Forman and the
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.

"Tailgating is a beloved American pastime and we understand how much fun it
can be for fans," said LCB Chairman Patrick "P.J." Stapleton III.
"Unfortunately, some people take their excitement to a level that disturbs and
even endangers others. That's why we've assembled this great team to bring
TURF to Pennsylvania."

Theismann, who played for the Washington Redskins from 1971 to 1985, has made
TURF a personal passion.

"An estimated 36 million Americans pack coolers and fire up their grills at
tailgate parties around the country each season, but the unsportsmanlike
conduct of a few fans can endanger the happiness and safety of many others,"
Theismann said. "I'm proud to work with these outstanding organizations to
support this important program."

TURF, which will continue through the conclusion of this football season and
beyond, was created by Charmer Sunbelt Group, one of the nation's leading
distributors of alcoholic beverages, to ensure tailgating as the safe pre-game
tradition of friends and families.

The program, which was recently adopted in Maryland and will be introduced in
other states later this year, promotes several strategies for safe and fun
tailgating:
-- Provide ample food for guests before serving alcoholic beverages.
-- Designate a driver prior to tailgating.
-- Watch your language around young fans.
-- Support zero tolerance for underage drinking.
-- Notify security of any rude, unsportsmanlike or offensive fans.
-- Respect the fans. Respect your team. Respect the law.
-- And remember, one 12-oz. beer, one 5-oz. glass of wine and 1.5 oz. of
spirits all have the same alcohol content.

"TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement
and, most important, fans who no longer want themselves or their children
exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day
experience for everyone," said Charmer Sunbelt Group Community Relations VP
Brian Fischer.

Fliers detailing the program's tips will be available at PLCB Wine & Spirits
Stores, Stapleton said. In addition, Theismann's public service announcement
is on Penn State Live (www.live.psu.edu), the university's news Web site, and
will run on PantherVision during Pitt home games at Heinz Field.

A radio version is running on broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers and
Philadelphia Eagles games. Additional information is available at
www.turfzone.org.

"Penn State is committed to ensuring that fans of all ages have a safe and
memorable tailgating experience," said University Relations VP Bill Mahon.
"Penn State is proud to add TURF to the broad range of initiatives designed to
curb dangerous drinking that have been ongoing at Penn State for more than a
decade. Having a broad range of efforts in place to curb this national problem
is the best solution."

"Tailgating is a traditional part of college football Saturdays across the
country," said Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson. "We want to encourage
enjoyable yet safe tailgating at Heinz Field, ensuring a great Pitt football
experience from start to finish for everyone."

CONTACT:
Nick Hays
Francesca Chapman
(717) 783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board

Nick Hays or Francesca Chapman, both of Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board,
+1-717-783-8864