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HomeMy WebLinkAboutC12-259 Brown Foreman Sponsorship Agreement SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
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This Sponsorship Agreement (the "Agreement ") is made on this 11 day o
2012, by and between Brown - Forman Corporation ( "Sponsor "), on behalf of its brand ck
Daniel's® (the "Brand "), with its principal place of business located at 850 Dixie Highway,
Louisville, KY 40210 and Eagle County, Colorado ( "Organizer "), with its principal place of
business located at P.O. Box 250, Eagle, CO 81631. Sponsor and Organizer shall sometimes be
referred to herein as the "parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS Organizer organizes, operates, and promotes an event called the Eagle
County Rodeo, scheduled to occur on July 28 -31, 2010, in Eagle, Colorado ( "the Event" or
"Rodeo "); and
WHEREAS, Sponsor desires the right to promote its Brand as a named sponsor of the
Event;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the parties agree as follows:
TERMS
1. Term. This Agreement will commence on the date specified above and will expire on
August 1, 2010 ( "Term ").
2. Organizer's Obligations. For the Term of this Agreement, Organizer agrees to the
following:
A. Event Development and Production. Organizer will develop and produce the
Event, as permitted by law, and in accordance with Brown -Forman Corporation's Marketing,
Advertising and Promotional Policy for Beverage Alcohol, which may be amended from time to
time, attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference ( "Guidelines "). Additionally,
Organizer will be responsible for all activities necessary to operate the Event, including but not
limited to obtaining all necessary permits, setting up the Event, promoting the Event, and
conducting any other activity necessary to operate the Event. Organizer will receive all profits
from ticket sales to the Event.
B. Advertising and Promotion. Organizer shall provide the following advertising
and promotional consideration to Sponsor:
1) Sponsor will be advertised and recognized as the Official and Exclusive
Spirit Sponsor of the Eagle County Rodeo.
2) Organizer to provide Sponsor an 8'x10' space if the Sponsor decides to
set -up a database promotion on July 31 and August 1 from 6:00 pm to
8:00 pm. (location must be in an area where audience is at least 70% legal
drinking age)
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3) Organizer agrees to place the Sponsor logo on all print and media
advertising where the advertising audience is at least 70% legal drinking
age.
4) Organizer to display two (2) 3'x10' Sponsor banners in the rodeo arena
(Sponsor to provide banners)
5) Organizer to display two Sponsor banners on the rodeo grounds
6) Organizer to recognize Sponsor in a minimum of two (2) public address
announcements during each rodeo performance.
7) Organizer to display one full page Sponsor ad in the rodeo program.
8) Organizer to provide Sponsor with 20 tickets to the rodeo for Sponsor to
use in any manner it so chooses, including consumer give - aways.
9) Organizer to provide Sponsor with 8 tickets to the appreciation dinner.
C. Attendance Requirements. Prior to Event, Organizer shall provide to Sponsor
reliable demographic data showing that at least 70% of the Event's attendees are at or above the
legal drinking age.
3. Consideration. In consideration of the foregoing, Sponsor agrees to pay Organizer
$3,000 (three thousand dollars and zero cents) by check or wire fund transfer (payment to be
made no later than thirty (30) days after the rodeo has taken place) to "Eagle County Fair and
Rodeo" at:
Eagle County Fair and Rodeo
ATTN: Tom Johnson
P.O. Box 250
Eagle, CO 81631
If funds are to be delivered via wire fund transfer, Organizer will contact Tom Johnson at (970)
328 -8882 to make necessary arrangements no later than 25 days after the rodeo has taken place
and funds will be transferred no later than thirty (30) days after the rodeo has taken place.
4. Cancellation of Event. In the event the Event is rescheduled from its original date(s),
both parties to this Agreement will continue to be entitled to all rights and obligations of the
terms and conditions contained herein with respect to the reschedule Event. If the Event is
unable to be rescheduled for reasons beyond the control of either party, Sponsor shall be entitled
to a refund of any consideration or fees previously paid to Organizer with respect to the
cancelled Event.
5. Force Majeure. Subject to paragraph 4 above, if Organizer or Sponsor is prevented
from performing any of their obligations under this Agreement that is beyond their control as a
result of an event of force majeure, such as an Act of God, fire, flood, earthquake, war, embargo,
strikes, labor disputes, explosions, riots, or laws, rules or regulations of any governmental
authority to which such entity is subject, or any other cause that is beyond the control of the
affected party, then Organizer and Sponsor shall be excused from any further performance of
their obligations under this Agreement.
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6. Default. No failure by either party to perform any of its obligations hereunder shall be
deemed a breach hereof, unless the non - breaching party gives the breaching party written notice
of such failure and the breaching party fails to cure such nonperformance within thirty (30) days
after its receipt of such notice. If the noticed default or breach is timely cured, then performance
shall continue under this Agreement as if no default or breach had occurred. If there is no timely
cure, then the party giving such notice may pursue any and all legal remedies available to it for
the default or breach, including termination if the default or breach is material.
7. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate at the expiration of the Term. Upon
mutual written agreement, the parties may agree to terminate or amend this Agreement prior to
the expiration of the Term. Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon
occurrence of one of the following:
A. The other party's material breach, which is not remedied within thirty (30) days
after receipt of written notice of such breach;
B. Dissolution or liquidation of the other party;
C. Appointment of a trustee or receiver for the other party;
D. Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings under federal or state law, whether
voluntary or involuntary, that are commenced by or against the other party;
E. An assignment by either party for the benefit of creditors;
F. Organizer or the Event becomes a non - sanctioned PRCA event; or
G. Organizer permits any other spirit brand to hang signage in the arena or on the
rodeo grounds, or advertise on any supported print material.
In the event of termination of this Agreement, if Sponsor has advanced payment to
Organizer, in whole or in part, then Organizer shall refund the entire amount advanced to the
Sponsor.
8. Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in
writing to the addresses below, and shall be (a) personally delivered, (b) sent by registered or
certified mail, return receipt requested, or (c) sent by overnight commercial carrier, such as,
among others Federal Express. Any such notice or other communication shall be deemed
received upon the earlier of (i) if personally delivered, the date of delivery to the address of the
person to receive such notice; (ii) if mailed, on the date of delivery as shown by the addressee's
registry or certification receipt; (iii) if sent and delivered by overnight commercial carrier, one
(1) business day after the date of delivery of such communication to such carrier as marked
thereon, with applicable charges prepaid.
If to Organizer:
Eagle County Fair and Rodeo
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ATTN: Tom Johnson
P.O. Box 250
Eagle, CO 81631
If to Sponsor:
David Stang
Jack Daniel's National Sponsorship Director
Brown- Forman Corporation
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40210
With a copy to:
Brown - Forman Corporation
Attention: Mary Barrazotto
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40210
Tel: 502 774 -7005
Fax: 502 774 -7188
9. Trademarks.
A. All Sponsor's and Brand's logos, taglines, labels and other designs and product
identification (collectively "Sponsor's Trademarks ") are Sponsor's property. The use of any
Sponsor's Trademarks shall inure to Sponsor's benefit, and all rights in Sponsor's Trademarks
under trademark or copyright law or any other basis shall be Sponsor's exclusive property.
Sponsor hereby grants to Organizer, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
nonexclusive, non - assignable and non - transferable right to use Sponsor's Trademarks for the
Term in connection with the Event, subject to the terms of this Agreement. All proposed uses of
Sponsor's Trademarks shall be subject to Sponsor's review and prior written approval.
Furthermore, Organizer agrees not to use the Sponsor's Trademarks in a manner that is
derogatory to the Sponsor or Brand. Upon expiration of this Agreement's Term, Organizer shall
cease all use of Sponsor's Trademarks as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30)
days, unless a particular medium requires a longer lead time, but in no event longer than ninety
(90) days.
B. The Event name (without Sponsor's Trademarks) and all Event logos, taglines
and other designs and Event identification (collectively "Organizer's Trademarks ") are
Organizer's property. The use of Organizer's Trademarks shall inure to Organizer's benefit, and
all rights in Organizer's Trademarks under trademark or copyright law or any other basis shall be
Organizer's exclusive property. Organizer hereby grants to Sponsor and its contractors for up to
six (6) months from the date hereof (the "Promotion Period "), the nonexclusive, non - assignable
and non - transferable right to use Organizer's Trademarks in connection with the Event, including
but not limited to, the right and license to advertise, publicize, exploit, use and promote its
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sponsorship of the Event, or any portion thereof, in any manner and by any means or media, as
pre- approved by Organizer for the purposes contemplated in this Agreement and subject to the
terms of this Agreement. All trademarks or other materials supplied by Organizer to Sponsor
shall be deemed approved by Organizer. Upon expiration of the Promotion Period, Sponsor shall
cease all use of Organizer's Trademarks as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty
(30) days, unless the particular medium requires a longer lead time, but in no event longer than
ninety (90) days. Sponsor's use of Organizer's Trademarks as provided in this paragraph 9 shall
survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
C. Each party will be solely responsible for taking such actions as it deems
reasonably appropriate to obtain trademark, service mark or copyright registration for its
respective trademarks. All uses of or references to the trademarks shall inure to the benefit of the
respective owner, and all rights with respect to the trademarks not specifically granted in this
Agreement shall be and are hereby reserved to the respective owner. Each party acknowledges
that the other is the exclusive owner of its own Trademarks, as defined above, and also
acknowledges the validity and registration of those Trademarks. Neither party shall file register
or record with any federal, state or local government or agency thereof any name, design or form
that may be confused with any of the other's Trademarks. Moreover, neither party shall, during
the Term of this Agreement or anytime thereafter, contest the other party's exclusive ownership,
validity, or registration of its own Trademarks, or assist anyone else in doing so. The parties
agree to cooperate with each other in preventing any acts or trademark infringement or unfair
competition with respect to any of their Trademarks, however, Sponsor shall have sole control
over all actions and legal proceedings to suppress infringement and unfair competition with
respect to any of Sponsor's Trademarks.
10. Representations and Warranties.
A. Organizer represents and warrants that it is a governmental entity and a political
subdivision of the state of Colorado duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Colorado; that it has all corporate power and authority to execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; that the execution, delivery and
performance by it of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby has been duly and validly authorized by all requisite corporate action, and no other
corporate act or proceeding is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby; that it is not
subject to nor obligated under its articles of incorporation or bylaws, or any applicable law, rule
or regulation of any governmental authority, or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree,
which would be breached or violated by the execution, delivery or performance of this
Agreement; that it is not under nor will it be under, any disability, restriction or prohibition with
respect to its rights to fully perform in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement; that there are no other agreements or commitments, oral or written, that will interfere
with its full performance hereunder; that it will fully comply with all federal state and local laws,
rules and regulations and any tariffs, taxes or customs requirements applicable to its obligations
and performance in connection with the Event and shall be solely responsible for any and all
payments that may be due in connection therewith; that any materials it provides in connection
with this Agreement will not infringe upon the copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other
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intellectual property rights of any third party; that it is not insolvent or in any danger of
insolvency or bankruptcy and is not in dissolution proceedings; that there shall be no liens,
claims or other interests which may interfere with, impair or be in derogation of the rights
granted herein; and that it holds no beverage alcohol retail licenses, that the fee covered by this
Agreement is not conditioned in any way upon any retail licensee's purchase or agreement to
purchase any alcohol beverage products produced, sold or offered for sale by Sponsor, and that
said sponsorship is not intended to and will not be used to induce any alcohol beverage retailer to
purchase any of said products. Immediately following the execution of this agreement by
Sponsor, but in no event more than thirty (30) days thereafter, Organizer shall provide Sponsor
with executed copies of the Compliance Policy and Certification, the form of which is attached
hereto as Exhibit B.
B. Sponsor represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly organized, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware; that it has all corporate
power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations
hereunder; that the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby has been duly and validly authorized by
all requisite corporate action, and no other corporate act or proceeding is necessary to authorize
the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby; that it is not subject to nor obligated under its certificate of
incorporation or bylaws, or any applicable law, rule or regulation of any governmental authority,
or subject to any order, writ, injunction or decree, which would be breached or violated by the
execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement; that it is not under nor will it be under,
any disability, restriction or prohibition with respect to its rights to fully perform in accordance
with the terms and conditions of this Agreement; that there are no other agreements or
commitments, oral or written, that will interfere with its full performance hereunder; that it will
fully comply with all federal state and local laws, rules and regulations and any tariffs, taxes or
customs requirements applicable to its obligations and performance in connection with the Event
and shall be solely responsible for any and all payments that may be due in connection therewith;
that any materials it provides in connection with this Agreement will not infringe upon the
copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret or other intellectual property rights of any third party;
that it is not insolvent or in any danger of insolvency or bankruptcy and is not in dissolution
proceedings; and that there shall be no liens, claims or other interests which may interfere with,
impair or be in derogation of the rights granted herein.
11. Indemnification.
A. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sponsor shall defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless Organizer and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees, successors and assigns, and
the respective owners, officers, directors, agents and employees of each from and against all
liability, actions, claims, demands, judgments, penalties, fines, losses, property damage, other
injuries (including but not limited to bodily injury, death, personal injury or mental anguish), or
damages (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses, court costs, expert
fees) (collectively "Claims ") to the extent directly caused by: (i) the non - performance of
Sponsor's obligations hereunder following notice and failure to cure (excluding any claim to the
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extent Organizer is obligated to indemnify Sponsor with respect thereto arising under
subparagraph B below); (ii) Sponsor's breach of alleged breach of any of its representations
and/or warranties set forth in this Agreement; (iii) negligence or misconduct by Sponsor, its
agents, employees, or independent contractors; (iv) any materials, products or services offered or
supplied by Sponsor hereunder; and (v) any claim of infringement of a third party's intellectual
property rights by Organizer due to its use of Sponsor's Trademarks as authorized by this
Agreement.
B. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Organizer shall defend, indemnify, and
hold harmless Sponsor and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, licensees, successors and assigns,
and their respective owners, officers, directors, agents and employees of each from and against
all liability, actions, claims, demands, judgments, penalties, fines, losses, property damage, other
injuries (including but not limited to bodily injury, death, personal injury or mental anguish), or
damages (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses, court costs, expert
fees) (collectively "Claims ") to the extent caused by or arising out of: (i) the Event and
associated events, including but not limited to Organizer's obligations under this Agreement
(excluding any claim to the extent Sponsor is obligated to indemnify Organizer with respect
thereto arising under subparagraph A above); (ii) Organizer's breach of any of its representations
and/or warranties set forth in this Agreement; (iii) negligence or misconduct by Organizer, its
agents, employees, or independent contractors; (iv) any materials, products or services offered or
supplied by Organizer hereunder, including the materials, products or services of any third
parties that Organizer may hire or retain in conjunction with the Event; and (v) any claim of
infringement of a third party's intellectual property rights by Sponsor due to its use of
Organizer's Trademarks as authorized by this Agreement.
C. To the extent permitted by law, Organizer and Sponsor shall each be entitled to
claim indemnity or contribution from the other if any judgment, claim suit, loss, damage, liability
or expense for which it has provided indemnity is found to have arisen from or was contributed
to by the other.
D. The indemnitor may assume, and if the indemnitee requests in writing shall
assume, the defense of any Claim. The indemnitor shall allow the indemnitee to participate in
the defense of any Claim at the indemnitee's own expense if the indemnitee notifies the
indemnitor of its request to do so in writing. The indemnitee shall give the indemnitor prompt
notice of any Claim that may fall within the ambit of this paragraph. If the indemnitee settles
any Claim without the indemnitor's prior written consent, the indemnitor shall be released of any
liability or obligation to the indemnitee under this paragraph; provided, however, that the
indemnitor shall not be released of any liability or obligation to the indemnitee under this
paragraph if the indemnitor has refused or failed to assume the defense of any Claim after the
indemnitee has requested that it do so in writing.
12. Insurance. The parties acknowledge that Organizer is a "public entity" within the
meaning of the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, C.R.S. §24 -10 -101, et. seq.. ( "Act "). The
Organizer shall at all times during the term of this Agreement maintain such liability insurance
by commercial policy or self - insurance, as necessary to meet its liabilities under the Act. Upon
request by Sponsor, Organizer shall show proof of such insurance.
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13. Relationship of the Parties. Each party is an independent contractor and the parties
shall not have the authority to bind, represent or commit the other. Nothing in this Agreement
shall be deemed or construed to create a joint venture, partnership, fiduciary relationship or
agency relationship between the parties for any purpose. In addition, neither party shall be
deemed a joint employer of the other's employees. Neither party's employees shall be deemed
"leased" employees of the other. Each party shall be solely responsible for the supervision of its
employees and for the fulfillment of all obligations incumbent upon an employer with regard to
its employees, including the withholding and payment of income taxes, statutory benefits, and
social security taxes, and the provision of health, disability and other benefits or workers'
compensation insurance.
14. Successors and Assigns. Neither party may assign its rights, nor delegate its obligations
under this Agreement, without the prior written approval of the other party. This Agreement
shall bind the parties, their respective successors and permitted assigns, and shall inure to the
benefit of the other party, its successors and permitted assigns.
15. No Third -Party Beneficiary. Any agreement to pay any amount and any assumption of
liability herein contained, express or implied, shall be only for the benefit of the Organizer and
the Sponsor, and such agreements and assumption shall not inure to the benefit of the obligees of
any indebtedness or any other party, whomsoever, deemed to be a third -party beneficiary of this
Agreement.
16. Labor Unions. Organizer agrees to execute and fully comply with any union agreements
it may enter into for the performance of its obligations hereunder.
17. Legal Compliance. Organizer agrees to comply with all federal, state and local laws
and regulations regarding the Events in all States wherein it engages in activities on behalf of the
Brand, as well as the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc.'s (DISCUS) Code of
Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing, which may be amended
from time to time, attached as Exhibit C. These specific laws may affect the Event and its
promotion. Under no circumstance will either party knowingly implement the Event or its
promotion if it is prohibited from doing so by federal, state, or local laws.
18. Time. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
19. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the
parties and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements, representations, and communications,
whether oral or written, regarding the subject matter of this Agreement.
20. Amendment or Modification. No modification or amendment of any term, condition or
provision of this Agreement shall be valid or of any force or effect unless made in writing,
signed by the duly authorized representatives of the parties, and specifying with particularity the
nature and extend of such modification or amendment.
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21. Severability. In the event that any term, condition or covenant contained in this
Agreement is held to be invalid, any such invalidity shall not affect the validity and
enforceability of any other term, condition, or covenant contained herein, which other terms shall
remain in full force and effect. The provisions of this Agreement are for that purpose deemed to
be severable. If any part of this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or
a duly appointed arbitrator(s) to be unenforceable, the parties agree that such court or
arbitrator(s) shall substitute a reasonable, judicially enforceable limitation in place of the
offensive part of this Agreement, which limitation reflects the intent of the parties as closely as
possible, and that, as modified, the Agreement shall be fully enforceable as if set forth herein by
the parties themselves in modified form.
22. Headings; Exhibits. The Article, Section, and Paragraph headings used in this
Agreement are for reference purposes only, and should not be used in construing this Agreement.
Any Exhibit attached to this Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and expressly made a
part of this Agreement for all purposes. References to any Exhibit in this Agreement shall be
deemed to include this reference and incorporation.
23. Survival. The terms of this Agreement that expressly or by implication continue in force
notwithstanding its termination or expiration shall so continue in force.
24. Counterparts and Execution. This Agreement may be executed in multiple
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original Agreement, and all of which shall
constitute one Agreement.
25. Authority. The parties agree and warrant that the undersigned individuals have been
granted the authority to bind the Sponsor and Organizer to this Agreement.
26. No Waiver. The failure of either party to object to or to take affirmative action with
respect to any conduct of the other party, which is in violation of the terms hereof, shall not be
construed as a waiver thereof, nor of any future breach or subsequent wrongful conduct.
I 'I
•
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THIS AGREEMENT is entered into as of the date first written.
Eagle County:
Keith Montag, Eagle Co y Manager
Title:
Brown Corporation:
By: G/ • -Avt" 44r p r�
q t • el Title: �R
By:
Title:
•
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EXHIBIT A
[Brown -Forman Corporation's Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Policy for Beverage
Alcohol, attached]
11
EXHIBIT B
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE POLICY
It is the policy of all sales divisions of Brown -Forman Corporation ( "Brown- Forman") to
comply with all federal and state laws regulating alcoholic beverages. Brown - Forman purchases
advertising and participates in other promotional arrangements, including sponsorships, solely on
the basis of receipt of advertising or promotional value commensurate with the cost incurred by
Brown - Forman. No such purchase or participation is dependent upon, is in any way conditioned
upon, or is intended to induce, any beverage alcohol retailer's purchase of any Brown - Forman
products. Brown -Forman neither requires nor expects any person with whom it enters into
advertising or promotional arrangements to purchase Brown - Forman products for resale to
consumers or to require any beverage alcohol retailer to do so as a part of or as consideration for
Brown - Forman's purchase of advertising or promotional services. Brown - Forman recognizes
that in all cases the retailer retains full and independent discretion to determine what beverage
alcohol products it will purchase, whether they are Brown -Forman products or the products of
any other industry member.
Please sign below to certify that you understand Brown - Forman's Compliance Policy.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that I understand that Brown - Forman does not condition its purchase of any
advertising display, sponsorship rights, distribution service, or its participation in any
promotional arrangements on any retailer's purchase of alcoholic beverages sold or offered for
sale by Brown - Forman; and that no such purchase or participation by Brown - Forman will induce
any retailer to purchase alcoholic beverages sold or offered for sale by Brown - Forman, but that
any purchase of alcoholic beverages by any retailer will be the result of independent business
considerations.
Company Name (Eagle County Fair & Rodeo)
Signature
Date
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EXHIBIT C
[Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc.'s (DISCUS) Code of Responsible Practices
for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing, attached]
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MI■liiiiw 11•11•Muims wniaisamosseer . —
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BROWN- FOR\•iAI� CORPORAT
1� ARItETIN ADVERT 1 NG,
AND
PRaOTIONAL POLI
FOR BF� ALCOHOL
Brown- Forman Corporation
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210
www.brown- forman.com
May 2005
I I
Brown - Forman Corporation's
Marketing, Advertising, and
Promotional Policy
for Beverage Alcohol
Introduction
For many years, Brown- Forman has encouraged
its consumers to enjoy one of life's great pleas-
ures — beverage alcohol — responsibly and in
moderation. We take pride in the quality of our
wines and spirits, and in the contribution they
make to the enjoyment of life, meals, and social "ft is up to us to
occasions. When consumed in a responsible make responsibility
way, our brands are compatible with a balanced a keystone of our
and healthy lifestyle. marketing philosophy
and to effectively put
As Brown- Forman builds its brands around the that philosophy to work
world, it is important to provide clear and con- in the marketplace."
sistent guidance to all employees about our stan-
dards for responsible marketing, advertising, and Owsley Brown 11,
promotion. These activities are the prism through addressing fellow beverage
which our consumers see our fine brands. It is alcohol CEOs on March 5, 2003
therefore essential that all Brown - Forman
marketing, advertising and promotional activities
reflect the company's high standards, core
values and commitment to social responsibility.
These standards constitute corporate policy and
must be followed in both the letter and the spirit
for all of Brown- Forman's beverage alcohol prod-
ucts in all domestic and foreign markets.
Brown - Forman believes these high standards are
consistent with the effective marketing and pro -
motion of our brands. As our long- standing
Responsible marketing record of responsibly building the Jack Daniel's
and promotion can b brand shows, responsible marketing and promo-
highly effective tion can be highly effective.
Scope
Brown- Forman Corporation's Marketing,
Advertising, and Promotional Policy for Beverage
Alcohol applies to all activities performed to
market Brown - Forman brands, including brand
advertising, on- and off - premise promotional
activities, brand innovation activities, experiential
marketing, consumer planning, relationship mar -
Brown-Forman keting, consumer public relations, the develop -
developed this policy ment and content of brand web sites, and label -
to represent industry ing and packaging. Brown - Forman developed
best practice and, as this policy to represent industry best practice
such, adopts the and, as such, adopts the strongest provisions
strongest provisions from existing distilled spirits, wine, and beer
from existing distilled industry voluntary codes.
spirits, wine, and beer
industry voluntary 1) COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND
codes REGULATIONS
All marketing activities must be in keeping with
the letter and the spirit of all applicable national
laws, local advertising regulations, and self -regu-
latory codes of practice.
The Brown- Forman Marketing, Advertising, and
Promotional Policy provides general principles
applicable in every country in which Brown-
Forman does business. In countries where local
regulations place additional or more stringent
requirements, all of the additional requirements
must also be met.
Where voluntary local industry codes of conduct
exist, Brown - Forman also will comply with the
terms of those codes in the applicable markets.
Where such voluntary local industry codes do
not exist, Brown- Forman at a minimum will Brown-Forman only
comply with the general principles set forth in markets to consumers
these guidelines. Brown- Forman will also sup- of legal drinking age
port efforts to develop voluntary local industry and commits to ensure
codes where they do not exist. Regardless of that underage drinkers
local laws or voluntary industry codes, these are not and Will not
standards always apply. be targeted by our
2) UNDERAGE PROVISIONS marketing and
promotional activities.
Brown- Forman only markets to consumers of
legal drinking age and commits to ensure that
underage drinkers are not and will not be target-
ed by our marketing and promotional activities.
We will do this through CONTENT that appeals
primarily to adults and PLACEMENTS that meet
our demographic standards set forth below:
Content
a) While some countries have legal purchase
ages lower than 18, or do not set legal pur-
chase limitations at all, it is company policy
never to target marketing campaigns at people
under the age of 18.
b) Models and actors employed must be a mini-
mum of 25 years old — substantiated by prop -
3
er identification — and should reasonably
appear to be over the legal purchase age.
c) Advertising and marketing materials should
......,._ w, ,a not utilize or depict children, and should not
No brand identification, employ sports figures, cartoon characters, or
Including logos, other symbols that appeal primarily to people
trademarks, or names, under the legal purchase age.
should be used or
licensed for use on d) Advertising and marketing activities should
clothing, toys, games not directly or indirectly portray consumption
or game equipment, of Brown- Forman brands as being important
or other materials to education or degrading to studying.
intended for use
primarily by people e) Promotional events should target people over
below the legal the legal purchase age; they should therefore
purchase age. not employ novelty drinking vessels that have
an overtly juvenile appeal (e.g. test tubes,
Jell -O shots).
f) Brown- Forman brands should not be associat-
ed with the attainment of adulthood or "rites
of passage" to adulthood.
g) Brown - Farman supports alcohol abstinence. If
a consumer voices his or her preference to
abstain from alcohol consumption, B-F
employees should accept this decision posi-
tively and politely.
Placements
a) No brand identification, including logos, trade-
marks, or names, should be used or licensed
for use on clothing, toys, games or game
equipment, or other materials intended for use
primarily by people below the legal purchase
age. Advertising and
b) Advertising and marketing materials should marketing materials
Should only be placed
only be placed in communications (broadcast,
in communications
cable, radio, print, and Internet) where at where at least 10%
least 70% of the audience is reasonably of the audience is
expected to be above the legal purchase age, reasonably expected
determined by using reliable, up -to -date audi- to be above the legal
ence composition data.
purchase age.
* To facilitate these placement commitments,
recognized electronic and print composition
data should be reviewed on a regular basis (at
least annually) to ensure that the audience
composition data are current and appropriate.
* Internal, periodic audits of past placements
should be undertaken to verify that past adver-
tising placements were in compliance with this
policy and to take appropriate, corrective
action for future placements.
Brown- Forman brands
c) Brown- Forman brands should not be adver- should not be
tised in college and university newspapers in advertised in college
any country where the majority of students
are under the legal purchase age. and university
newspapers in any
d) Brown- Forman brands should only be promoted country where the
on college and university campuses when uti- majority of Students
are under the legal
lizing licensed establishments and events purchase age.
attended exclusively by people over the legal
purchase age, with the authority of the college
or university.
Brown-Forman e) Advertising, marketing, or promotional activi-
believes responsible ties should not be directed to people younger
beverage alcohol than the legal purchase age in their home city
advertising is a who may legally purchase alcoholic beverages
fundamental and in a foreign destination during spring break.
unalienable
amendment right
we possess and 3) RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION
must protect REQUIREMENTS
Brown- Forman believes responsible beverage
alcohol advertising is a fundamental and
unalienable amendment right we possess and
must protect. Further, such advertising helps
promote responsible consumption of our prod-
ucts. In order to help protect this right, the fol-
lowing guidelines apply to all advertising and
marketing initiatives.
a) All paid media brand advertising and point of
sale materials should contain a prominent
responsibility message (see Responsible
Consumption Statement section below).
All paid media brand b) Every effort should be made to ensure that
advertising and point Brown - Forman brands do not appear in or
of sale materials directly adjacent to print or electronic programs
should contain a that dramatize or glamorize over- consumption
prominent or inappropriate use of adult beverages.
responsibility
message= c) Advertising and marketing materials should
not portray people in a state of intoxication or
in any way that suggests that intoxication is
acceptable conduct.
d) Brown- Forman should neither promote nor
condone activities where the consumer does
not have control over the amount of alcohol
delivered for consumption (e.g., shot luge, Drunk driving is
squirt guns, etc.). against the law,
irresponsible, and
e) Brown - Forman does not reinforce or trivialize stupid. Advertising and
the problem of violence in society. Therefore, marketing materials
Brown- Forman brands should not be associated should not portray,
with abusive or violent relationships or situa- encourage, or condone
tions, or with anti - social or dangerous behavior. driving any motor
vehicle while
f) Alcohol content should be referenced in a intoxicated.
straightforward and factual manner without
touting the strength of Brown- Forman brands
in any advertising or marketing material.
g) Brown- Forman brands should not be portrayed
as being consumed by a person who is
engaged in, or is immediately about to engage
in, any activity that requires a high degree of
attentiveness or physical coordination.
h) Drunk driving is against the law, irresponsible,
and stupid. Advertising and marketing materi-
als should not portray, encourage, or condone
driving any motor vehicle while intoxicated.
1) Advertising and marketing materials should not
imply that adult beverage consumption is nec-
essary to obtain social, professional, educa-
tional, athletic, or financial success, or to solve
social, personal, or physical problems. Brown -
Forman brands may be portrayed as part of
Every Brown - Forman responsible personal and social experiences
web site should and activities, such as the depiction of people
provide a link to an in a social or romantic setting, people who
alcohol education/ appear to be attractive or affluent, and people
responsible drinking who appear to be relaxing in an enjoyable setting.
site.
j) Advertising and marketing materials should
make no unsubstantiated health claims. Any
health claim must comply with applicable law.
k) Advertising and marketing materials should
not make exaggerated product representations
or convey the impression that Brown - Forman
brands have special or unique qualities if they,
in fact, do not (e.g. aphrodisiacs, stimulants,
etc.).
I) Every Brown - Forman web site should provide
a Zink to an alcohol education /responsible
drinking site.
Responsible marketing 4) GOOD TASTE AND APPROPRIATE
needs to be sensitive USE
to cultural variation. Brown- Forman brands are sold in more than
135 countries around the world. Given that
cultural sensitivities vary from one country to
another, it is difficult to develop a global defini-
tion of what constitutes "offensive" advertising.
Responsible marketing needs to be sensitive to
cultural variation. While approaches and images
may be considered harmless in one culture, they
could cause grave offence in another.
8
Brand communications — both globally and locally
— should not contain any images, symbols, or
figures that may be considered gratuitously
offensive or demeaning to the image, form, or
status of women, men, or of any ethnic, minority,
or other group. Advertising and marketing mate-
rials should not contain any lewd or indecent Beverage alcohol
images or language, and should not employ advertising and
religion or religious themes. marketing materials
should not rely upon
Advertising and marketing materials may depict sexual prowess or
affection or other amorous gestures or other sexual success as
attributes associated with romance, sociability a selling point for
and friendship. While a brand preference may be the brand
portrayed as a mark of good taste and discernment,
beverage alcohol advertising and marketing
materials should not rely upon sexual prowess or
sexual success as a selling point for the brand.
Accordingly, advertising and marketing materials
should not contain or depict graphic or gratuitous
nudity, overt sexual activity, promiscuity, or
sexually lewd or indecent images or language.
Promotional Events
Promotional events provide Brown - Forman with
an effective tool to communicate directly with
consumers. In doing so, we must ensure that we
promote our brands in a responsible manner.
These provisions provide sound guidance but our
employees are expected to use good judgment
and common sense throughout all promotional
events.
1) PROVISIONS
a) Both on- and off - premise promotions should
Both on- and off- encourage responsible consumption by those
premise promotions adults who choose to drink and should dis-
should encourage courage activities that reward excessive/abusive
responsible consumption, such as offering free drinks.
consumption by
those adults Who b) Brown- Forman will not employ — either directly
choose to drink. or indirectly — event staff or volunteers under
the legal purchase age.
c) Where supplier sampling is permitted, Brown -
Forman will ensure that appropriate measures
are employed to safeguard against underage
drinking.
d) Brown- Forman will not promote or encourage
any drinking in conjunction with physically
challenging, promiscuous, reckless, and/or
irresponsible behavior at an on- premise
promotion.
All Brown- Forman
promotional events e) All Brown - Forman promotional events should
should include a include a responsible drinking component
responsible drinking (e.g. banners/table tents with message and /or
component (e.g. safe ride home or designated driver pro-
bannersltable tents grams).
with message and /or
safe ride Monte or 2) PERSONAL CONDUCT
designated driver All personnel involved in on- or off - premise pro -
progranms). motions should adhere to the following guidelines:
a) Do not drink excessively.
b) Do not make references that may be based
on sexual, racial, ethnic, religious, age, or
disability status.
c) Do not make physical gestures or contact that
is unwelcome by other guests.
d) Do not pressure others to drink.
e) Do not engage in reckless behavior or stunts.
f) Be sensitive to any action or behavior that
create discomfort in others. Brown - Forman has an
established policy of
Responsible Consumption including a responsible
Statement consumption statement
on all advertising.
Brown- Forman has an established policy of
including a responsible consumption statement
on all advertising. This includes point -of -sale
materials, printed promotional offers to con-
sumers, billboards and other large signage, and
print media advertising, as well as advertising on
the Internet, radio, television, and in videos.
(This does not include advertising specialties,
e.g. wearables, pens, key chains, etc.) We
believe such statements are a valuable and
appropriate tool to help communicate Brown -
Forman's commitment to promote responsible
consumption. Accordingly, the following require-
ments serve as a minimum standard.
Policy as part of the communications brief from
the company and must abide by its provisions in
any work they do on behalf of Brown- Forman.
Brown- Forman will establish training programs
for all those involved in the marketing, sale, or
promotion of Brown - Forman brands. Newly -
recruited marketing staff must also receive train-
ing on this Policy as part of their induction to the
company. Refresher courses will be provided for
those who have been with the company for a
longer length of time. All staff involved in mar -
keting and promotional activities must be famil-
Special attention must ia r w the requirements of the Brown- Forman
be paid to brand web Marketing, Advertising, and Promotional Policy
sites and promotional as well as any additional requirements set by
activities 011 the focal regulations, codes of practice, or national
Internet because they laws. Consult the Brown- Forman Legal team
are global media, with responsibility for the countries or brands in
question for guidance on local regulations.
Special attention must be paid to brand web
sites and promotional activities on the Internet
because they are global media. This means that
their geographical reach will extend beyond indi-
vidual country borders. Laws in countries where
the web site can be accessed will apply. Further
advice is available from Brown- Forman Legal.
When consulting Brown- Forman Legal or other
business groups, those responsible for the devel-
opment of a campaign or of a new brand must
allow sufficient time for consultation and sign -off.
Advice must be sought early on in the process,
so that any changes can be made more readily
and without incurring extra cost. This need for
early approval also applies to legal clearance,
advice on intellectual property/trademarks, and
trading standards approval. If deadlines are tight,
determine in advance whether those people
whose approval is necessary will be available on
a given day or at a given time.
May 2005
Brown- Forman Corporation
850 Dixie Highway
Louisville, Kentucky 40210
www.brown- forman.com
Your friends at
Brown - Forman
encourage you to
please drink
responsibly
•
BROWN -FOB
CODE OF
RESPONSIBT 1E
PRACTICES
FOR BEVERAGE ALCOHOL
ADVERTISING AND MARKETING
DISTILLED
SPIRITS
COUNCIL
OF THE UNITED STATES, INC.
wwW.discus.org
JANUARY 2009
Preamble
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc.
(DISCUS) is the national trade association representing
producers and marketers of distilled spirits sold in the
United States. Some of our members also are producers
and marketers of many malt beverage (beer) and wine
brands sold in the United States. With a full portfolio of
beverage alcohol products, DISCUS members have devel-
oped a Code of advertising and marketing responsible
practices to provide guidance to all those involved in the
promotion of their respective brands.
DISCUS members are committed to the responsible
placement and content of their brand communications.
The overriding principle of our Code is to market our
products to adults in a responsible and appropriate man-
ner. Towards this end, DISCUS members pledge volun-
tarily to conduct their advertising and marketing practices
in the United States in accordance with the provisions of
this Code.
The consumption of beverage alcohol products has played
an accepted and important role in the cultural and social
traditions of both ancient and modern society. DISCUS
members take special pride in their products and their
commitment to promoting responsible drinking by those
adults who choose to drink.
la DISCUS members encourage responsible decision -
making regarding drinking, or not drinking, by adults,
and discourage abusive consumption of their products.
DISCUS members urge that adults who choose to drink,
do so responsibly. Nevertheless, it is the obligation of each
consumer who chooses to drink to enjoy beverage alcohol
products in a responsible manner.
Scope
i This Code applies to all activities undertaken to advertise
and market distilled spirits, malt beverage and wine
brands. These activities include brand advertising, con-
sumer communications, promotional events, packaging,
labels, and distribution and sales materials.
The provisions of the Code apply to every type of print
and electronic media, including the internet and any other
on -line communications, used to advertise or market bev-
erage alcohol. These provisions also apply to every type of
promotional or marketing activity or event, including all
product placements (, movies, television programs,
music videos, video games) and sponsorships.
Sponsorships are commercial, contractual agreements
between a beverage alcohol company (the sponsor) and a
sponsored party or sponsorship property establishing an
association between the sponsor's brands or products and
the sponsored party or sponsorship property in return for
rights to promote this association.
DISCUS members recognize that it is not possible to cover
every eventuality and, therefore, agree to observe the spir-
it, as well as the letter, of this Code. Questions about the
interpretation of the Code, member companies' compli-
ance with the Code, and the application of its provisions
are directed to the Code Review Board of DISCUS.
Overview of the
Code Review Process
lei For more than 70 years, distillers have abided by a volun-
tary Code of advertising practices. First adopted in 1934,
the Code now includes over 40 provisions regarding the
responsible placement and content of beverage alcohol
advertising and marketing materials.
El Through these voluntary provisions, DISCUS members
hold themselves to a standard higher than mandated by
any law or regulation. By this Code, DISCUS members
hold all of their beverage alcohol products — distilled spir-
its, beer and wine — to the same high standard.
2
▪ Our commitment to responsibility and self - regulation
always has been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone
of our advertising and marketing practices.
• A Code Review Board, established under the provisions of
the Code, provides a mechanism for any complaints or
inquiries regarding all advertising and marketing materi-
als subject to this Code. The Code Review Board has been
a functioning and effective component of our voluntary
Code for decades.
Responsible Placement
Adult Audiences!Underage Persons
1. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials are
intended for adults of legal purchase age who choose to
drink.
2. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
marketed in any manner directed or primarily appealing
to persons below the legal purchase age. (The definition
of "primarily appeal" is set forth under the Responsible
Content provisions.)
3. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing should be
placed in broadcast, cable, radio, print, and Inter-
net /digital communications only where at least 70 per-
cent of the audience is reasonably expected to be above
the legal purchase age (determined by using reliable, up-
to -date audience composition data).
• To facilitate these placement commitments, recog-
nized electronic and print composition data should be
reviewed on a regular basis (at least annually) in order
to ensure that the audience composition data are cur-
rent and appropriate.
• Internal, semi -annual after -the -fact audits of a ran-
dom portion of past placements should be undertak-
en to verify that such past placements were in com-
pliance with this Code and to take appropriate, cor-
rective action for future placements.
3
• Detailed demographic data/advertisement placement
guidelines have been developed to implement the
responsible placement provisions, which are posted on
the DISCUS website and updated periodically to
reflect the most current and appropriate data.
4. Appropriate measures and best efforts should be taken so
that beverage alcohol advertising and marketing are not
specifically aimed at events unless at least 70 percent of
the audience is reasonably expected to be above the legal
purchase age.
5. Fixed beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materi-
als may be placed at venues that are used primarily for
adult- oriented events defined as where at least 70 percent
of the audience attending those venue events is reasonably
expected to be above the legal purchase age.
6. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
marketed in college or university newspapers, or on col-
lege and university campuses except for licensed retail
establishments located on such campuses.
7. Supplier- sponsored beverage alcohol promotions should
not be conducted in an on- campus licensed retail estab-
lishment owned or operated by a college or university.
8. Beverage alcohol advertising should not be placed on any
outdoor stationary location within five hundred (500)
linear feet of an established place of worship, an elemen-
tary school or secondary school except on a licensed
premise.
Responsible Content
Adult Audiences/Underage Persons
1. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials are
intended for adults of legal purchase age who choose to
drink. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing mate-
rials must comply with all aspects of the Code regardless
of where these materials are placed; for example, the
nature or subject matter of a particular publication is not
relevant.
4
2. The content of beverage alcohol advertising and market-
ing materials should not primarily appeal to individuals
below the legal purchase age.
3. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not depict a child or portray objects, images or car-
toon figures that primarily appeal to persons below the
legal purchase age. Advertising or marketing material is
considered to "primarily appeal" to persons below the legal
purchase age if it has special attractiveness to such persons
beyond the general attractiveness it has for persons of legal
purchase age.
4. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not contain the name of or depict Santa Claus.
5. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
marketed on the comic pages of newspapers, magazines or
other publications.
6. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
marketed in a manner associated with the attainment of
adulthood or the "rite of passage" to adulthood.
7. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
promoted by any person who is below the legal purchase
age or who is made to appear to be below the legal pur-
chase age. To help ensure that individuals in beverage
alcohol advertising are and appear to be above the legal
purchase age, models and actors employed should be a
minimum of 25 years old, substantiated by proper identi-
fication and should reasonably appear to be 21 years of
age and older.
8. No brand identification, including logos, trademarks or
names, should be used or licensed for use on clothing,
toys, games, or game equipment, or other items intended
for use primarily by persons below the legal purchase age.
9. DISCUS members should limit the manufacture of brand
logoed apparel, and the licensing of member company
trademarks used in connection with the sale of brand
logoed apparel, to only adult sizes.
5
•
Websites
10. Age affirmation mechanisms, utilizing month, day and
year, should be employed for DISCUS member -
controlled beverage alcohol advertising and marketing
websites. They also should contain a reminder of the legal
purchase age.
11. DISCUS members recognize the crucial role parents play
in educating their children about the legal and responsi-
ble consumption of beverage alcohol. To enable parents
who choose to prevent their children from accessing inter-
net websites without their supervision, DISCUS will pro-
vide those parents and the manufacturers of parental con-
trol software upon request the website address of each
member company so that the parent or manufacturer can
use this information.
12. Each DISCUS member - controlled website with advertis-
ing or marketing materials should provide a link to a
responsible decision - making site.
13. DISCUS member - controlled websites that contain down -
loadable advertising or marketing content should include
instructions to individuals downloading the content that
they should not forward these materials to individuals
below the legal purchase age and also should include on
the downloadable content a responsible drinking state-
ment where practicable.
Social Responsibility
14. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should portray beverage alcohol products and drinkers in
a responsible manner. Beverage alcohol products and
drinkers may be portrayed as part of responsible personal
and social experiences and activities, such as the depiction
of persons in a social or romantic setting, persons who
appear to be attractive or affluent, and persons who
appear to be relaxing or in an enjoyable setting.
15. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not depict situations where beverage alcohol is
being consumed excessively or in an irresponsible manner.
These materials should not portray persons in a state of
intoxication or in any way suggest that intoxication is
socially acceptable conduct, and they should not promote
the intoxicating effects of beverage alcohol consumption.
6
•
16. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not contain any curative or therapeutic claim
except as permitted by law.
17. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should contain no claims or representations that individ-
uals can attain social, professional, educational, or athlet-
ic success or status as a result of beverage alcohol con-
sumption.
18. Beverage alcohol products should not be advertised or
marketed in any mariner associated with abusive or vio-
lent relationships or situations.
19. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not imply illegal activity of any kind.
20. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not portray beverage alcohol being consumed by a
person who is engaged in, or is immediately about to
engage in, any activity that requires a high degree of alert-
ness or physical coordination.
21. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not be associated with anti - social or dangerous
behavior.
22. Driving while intoxicated is against the law. Beverage
alcohol advertising and marketing materials should not
portray, encourage or condone driving any motor vehicle
while intoxicated.
Good Taste
23. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should reflect generally accepted contemporary standards
of good taste.
24. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not degrade the image, form, or status of women,
men, or of any ethnic, minority, sexually- oriented, reli-
gious, or other group.
25. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not contain any lewd or indecent images or
language.
26. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not employ religion or religious themes.
7
Sexual Prowess and Sexual Success
27. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials may
depict affection or other amorous gestures or other attrib-
utes associated with sociability and friendship. While a
brand preference may be portrayed as a mark of good taste
and discernment, beverage alcohol advertising and market-
ing materials should not rely upon sexual prowess or sexu-
al success as a selling point for the brand. Accordingly,
advertising and marketing materials should not contain or
depict:
• graphic or gratuitous nudity;
• overt sexual activity;
• promiscuity; or
• sexually lewd or indecent images or language.
Promotional Events
28. On- premise promotions sponsored by DISCUS members
should encourage responsible consumption by those
adults who choose to drink and discourage activities,
including those drinking games, that reward or encourage
excessive /abusive consumption.
29. Where supplier sampling is permitted, DISCUS members
should ensure that appropriate measures are employed to
safeguard against underage drinking, including ensuring
that individuals conducting the sampling on behalf of the
supplier are of legal purchase age.
30. DISCUS members should not promote or encourage any
drinking in conjunction with reckless and /or irresponsi-
ble behavior at an on- premise promotion sponsored by
DISCUS members.
31. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not use the term "spring break" or sponsor events
or activities that use the term "spring break" except if
those events or activities are located at a licensed retail
establishment.
8
Product Placements
32. Movies, television programs, music videos, and video
games frequently may portray the consumption of bever-
age alcohol products and related signage in their produc-
tions. For those DISCUS members who seek placement
opportunities, product placements will be guided by the
following principles:
a. Case -by -case assessment: DISCUS members should
approve or reject a product placement on a case -by -case
basis based upon the information about the movie, tel-
evision program, music video, or video game available
at the time provided by the project's producers.
b. Portrayal of drinking and driving: Driving while
intoxicated is against the law and beverage alcohol
advertising and marketing materials should not por-
tray, encourage or condone driving any motor vehicle
while intoxicated. DISCUS members should not
approve a product placement where the characters
engage in illegal or irresponsible consumption of their
products in connection with driving.
c. Underage drinking: DISCUS members strongly
oppose underage drinking. DISCUS members should
not approve a product placement which portrays the
purchase or consumption of their products by persons
who are below the legal purchase age.
d. Primary appeal to persons below the legal purchase
age: DISCUS members should not approve a product
placement where the the primary theme(s), because of
its content or presentation, is especially attractive to
persons below the legal purchase age beyond the gen-
eral attractiveness such theme(s) has for persons of the
legal purchase age.
e. Portraying alcoholism/alcohol abuse: DISCUS mem-
bers should not approve a product placement where
characters use their products irresponsibly or abusive-
ly or where alcoholism is portrayed, unless the depic-
tion supports a responsible- consumption message.
f. Measured media: DISCUS members should not
request or approve a product placement in any meas-
ured media unless the placement is consistent with
the responsible placement provisions of the Code.
9
Alcohol Content
33. Beverage alcohol advertising and marketing materials
should not refer to the alcohol content of a beverage alco-
hol product except in a straightforward and factual man-
ner or promote the potency of a beverage alcohol product.
Social Responsibility Statements
34. Responsible drinking statements should be included in
beverage alcohol advertising, marketing materials and
promotional events where practicable.
Internal Compliance System
1. DISCUS members should establish an internal process to
ensure compliance with the Code. To the extent possible
given a company's size and organizational structure, this
process should include a separate review of advertising
and marketing materials by a company employee who is
not in the marketing department or who was not involved
in the development of the advertising or marketing mate-
rials.
2. DISCUS members should establish and conduct a train-
ing program for employees involved in the advertising or
marketing of a member company's brands, including
appropriate initial and recurrent training.
3. DISCUS members should provide a copy of the Code to
advertising agencies, media buyers and other external
consultants involved in a member's advertising or mar-
keting activities.
Code Review Board
There shall be established and maintained a Code Review
Board, which shall meet when necessary to consider com-
plaints lodged by DISCUS members or other interested par-
ties, including members of the public.
The Code Review Board shall be comprised of no less than
five (5) members in good standing of the DISCUS Board of
Directors or his /her designee. Each member shall be elected
by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
10
•
Findings of the majority of the members of the Code Review
Board shall be communicated promptly to the responsible
advertiser and, in appropriate circutnstances, to all members
of the DISCUS Board of Directors.
Code Review Board Process
1. Complaint Review
• All complaints involving advertising and /or marketing
materials of the distilled spirits, beer and wine brands
marketed by a DISCUS member company and distilled
spirits products of a nonmember company are forward-
ed to the DISCUS Code Review Board for their review
and consideration. Complainants are afforded the
option of anonymity in processing their complaint.
• Upon receipt of a complaint, the Code Review Board
staff liaison notifies the advertiser and invites the adver-
tiser to respond to the complaint and to participate in
the Board's review of the complaint to answer any ques-
tions. DISCUS members are expected to respond forth-
with. Non - DISCUS members have 15 business days to
respond.
• The Code Review Board convenes to consider the com-
plaint and the advertiser's response, and then deliberates
and renders a decision. The Code Review Board pro -
ceeds in its deliberations usually within a week for
DISCUS member company complaints and after the
time period noted above has elapsed for non- DISCUS
member complaints even when the advertiser has not
responded.
• The advertiser is notified of the Board's decision and, if
a violation has occurred, the Board urges the advertiser
to revise or withdraw the advertisement forthwith. The
Board is available to answer questions or assist with
compliance.
• The Code Review Board's decision and the advertiser's
response are summarized in the Semi - Annual Code
Report described below.
This process is reviewed periodically and may be revised
when warranted.
11
2. Media Summits and Other Training Seminars
• To increase awareness of the Code and to incorporate
best practices in complying with its provisions, DIS-
CUS will host on a periodic basis "media summits"
and other training seminars for both DISCUS mem-
ber companies and non - DISCUS member compa-
nies, and their respective advertising agencies, media
buyers and other external consultants.
Semi - Annual Code Report
On a semi -annual basis, the Code Review Board will issue a
public report summarizing complaint decisions and the
advertiser's response.
How to File a Complaint
Questions regarding the Code or a concern about a par-
ticular advertisement or marketing material subject to
the Code should be sent to the DISCUS Code Review
Board, c/o Lynne Omlie, 1250 Eye Street, N.W., Suite
400, Washington, D.C. 20005 or emailed to Lynne
Omlie, the DISCUS Code Review Board staff liaison, at
lomlie @discus.org.
Complaints should be made in writing, identify the pro-
visions of the Code in question and provide an explana-
tion for the basis of the complaint. The advertisement
and /or marketing materials in question should be
appended to the complaint to ensure that it is processed
properly and expeditiously.
Outside Advisors
On a voluntary, nonbinding and confidential basis, DISCUS
will make available a mechanism whereby beverage alcohol
industry member advertisers can seek the guidance of the
Outside Advisors concerning any questions an advertiser may
have about whether particular advertising or marketing materi-
als are consistent with the Code.
These Outside Advisors also will be contacted for their respec-
tive opinion if the Code Review Board cannot arrive at a
majority decision about a particular advertisement or market-
ing material.
12
DISTILLED
SPIRITS
COUNCIL
OF THE UNITED STATES, INC.
www.discus.org
1250 Eye Street, N.W., Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 202.682.8824
Fax 202.682.8877
A FACT ABOUT ALCOHOL CONTENT
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