Beer Distributors Continue Campaign to Educate Parents and Teens about Alcohol Abuse

Members of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) are distributing booklets which encourage open, honest communication between parents and their children about underage drinking. In partnership with the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), distributors are delivering Talking to Teens About Drinking to Illinois schools.

In its 9th year, ABDI's statewide campaign provides parents with information to discuss with their teens, ideas on role playing, explains the long term dangers, and helps teens make the right choice about alcohol.

Schools are using the booklets during parent-teacher conferences, orientation, health class, and by coaches. "Since 2004, almost 550,000 booklets in both English and Spanish have been provided to approximately 1,550 schools throughout the state." said Bill Olson, ABDI's President. "This year alone, distributors delivered nearly 80,000 booklets. We are pleased that the program has been well received."

"It is a pleasure for the Illinois Principals Association to continue our partnership with the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois to provide this important resource to schools," said Jason Leahy, IPA's Executive Director. "Schools continue to value the "Talking to Teens About Drinking" booklet as it supports their effort to curb teenage drinking."

IHSA's Executive Director Marty Hickman said, "This year was a great start to our partnership with the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois and our friends at the Illinois Principals Association. By working together, we can help educate thousands of teenagers and their parents about the dangers of underage drinking. We hope to continue this partnership for many years to come."

The following distributors throughout Illinois delivered the booklets to their local schools:

The Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois, a not for profit business trade association, represents, maintains and improves the interests of its members who distribute beer of all brewers. ABDI advocates value in the state-based regulatory system by being the unified voice for beer distributors on legislation and regulation, by promoting responsible beer consumption, and by providing educational and other services to meet its members' needs.

Distributors are licensed by the State of Illinois to import and distribute beer to licensed retailers. ABDI members directly employ more than 3,300 people across the state. They collect and pay $63 million each year in excise taxes to the state and pay more than $280 million in direct wages and health care benefits.

For more information about ABDI, visit www.abdi.org.