"There can be no public confidence in alcohol industry self-regulation until the results of the complaint process are open to public review. DISCUS, by adopting new standards for transparency and public reports about complaints, promises sunshine to previously secret decisions. As a public health professional, I must applaud the new commitment by DISCUS to provide the American people with the information necessary to judge their actions, not just their words."

"The FTC's latest report confirms that self-regulation is working, particularly with respect to minimizing the exposure of individuals under the age of 21 to alcohol advertising and marketing messages.

I am pleased to learn that the industry is today announcing steps to institute an ad placement policy that guarantees a minimum 70 percent adult audience standard for all broadcast and print media. This new 70 percent standard is responsible and appropriate.

In addition, I commend the FTC and industry for their work in this area, which serves as a model of how the public and private sectors can work together to protect our nation's teens while preserving the First Amendment rights of industry to appropriately advertise and market their products to the public. I strongly encourage the FTC to continue its partnership with industry in the development of a fair and balanced public policy."

"After reviewing the report issued today by the Federal Trade Commission, I am heartened to learn that the nation's leading distillers have established a new policy assuring a minimum seventy percent (70%) adult audience for all print and broadcast media advertising. This new seventy percent standard is responsible and appropriate, and the industry is to be commended for its actions.

As an added example of effective self-regulation, the FTC recognized the Distilled Spirits Council's (DISCUS) enhanced Code of Responsible Practice and its Code review process for its rigorous and accountable enforcement efforts. Clearly, DISCUS member companies have taken strong and appropriate measures to curtail alcohol advertising and marketing to minors.

The members of the FTC are also to be commended for the tremendous job in assembling the reports and I would like to commend Chairman Muris and the Commission for their attentiveness to this issue."

"As a strong opponent of illegal purchase and consumption of alcohol by minors, I am pleased that the industry is taking steps to address the Commission's most important findings and recommendations.

Perhaps most importantly, the Distilled Spirits Council will institute an ad placement policy that guarantees a minimum 70 percent adult audience standard for all broadcast and print media - substantially higher than the current 50 percent standard. This new 70 percent threshold is responsible, appropriate and I endorse it.

DISCUS has enhanced its Code of Responsible Practices in several other ways, and the Commission has recognized its Code enforcement process as a rigorous and accountable practice. Clearly, DISCUS member companies have taken strong and appropriate measures to curtail alcohol advertising and marketing to minors."

"A high priority on advertising and marketing to adults in a responsible manner is not only good for business but good for society."

"The liquor industry's on-going commitment to enhance responsible adult oriented advertising and marketing is commendable."

"Allow me to commend you and the members of the Council for this progressive document, which raises the bar and sets a new standard for all engaged in advertising for alcoholic beverages.

I think the Code of Responsible Practices reflects excellent policies that establish high standards for advertising within your profession. Once again, the Distilled Spirits Council is providing the kind of leadership that other groups in your industry should entertain as well. I think most people in the higher education community believe that these new policies and the standards they represent again reflect the commitment of the Distilled Spirits Council to address the issue of responsible drinking in a way that many of us in higher education support."

September 10, 2003