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Anheuser-Busch Salutes Nation's Responsible Drinkers in Helping Bring About Decline in Drunk-Driving Fatalities

Reminds Adults to Designate a Driver During The Holiday Weekend

ST. LOUIS (July 2, 2009) — New data released today from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows drunk-driving fatalities declined more than 9 percent in 2008. As friends and families set out to enjoy the 4th of July holiday weekend, Anheuser-Busch is taking the opportunity to remind adults that when they drink, to do so responsibly.

“We’re encouraged by this data, and believe our responsibility programs, along with the work of our wholesalers, retailers, law enforcement, community groups and many others, have played an important part in helping make our highways safer,” said Carol Clark, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "During this holiday weekend, there's no better way to show our American spirit than to be the designated driver." A recent survey by TNS Custom Research Inc. showed nearly two out of three adults – 137 million Americans – have either been a designated driver or been driven home by one.

Anheuser-Busch and its network of wholesalers work year-round to implement numerous responsibility programs, including:

Designated Driver – Promote the use of designated drivers at bars, restaurants and home parties. Consumers typically receive free non-alcohol beverages or discounts on food from bars or restaurants in exchange for being named the designated driver in a group and refraining from drinking on that occasion.

Alert Cab – This program brings together local distributors, cab companies, and retail establishments to provide free or reduced-fare cab rides to bar and restaurant patrons who need a safe ride home.

Tow to Go – In some areas, Anheuser-Busch and its distributors partner with the AAA Auto Club South on the Tow To Go program, which provides a free tow to a driver who may have overindulged.

Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its nationwide network of 600 wholesalers have invested more than $750 million in national advertising campaigns and community-based programs to promote responsible drinking and prevent alcohol abuse, including drunk driving. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit http://www.beeresponsible.com/.

Members of the media can contact the Anheuser-Busch Corporate Social Responsibility Office via the Anheuser-Busch Customer Call Center.