STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Public Safety 1111 Country Club Road Middletown, Connecticut 06457	Contact:  860-685-8230 pio.dps@po.state.ct.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 20, 2006

                     CONNECTICUT STATE POLICE BEGIN 
                                 HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

For the second consecutive year, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association and Heineken USA have teamed up to begin a holiday enforcement campaign that focuses on the risks associated with underage drinking this holiday season and beyond. The objective of the campaign is to reduce illegal activity associated with alcohol consumption.

The holiday initiative, titled “Operation S.A.N.T.A. – Stop Another Needless Traffic Accident” by the Connecticut State Police, was announced this afternoon during a press conference at Connecticut State Police headquarters in Middletown. Participating in the press conference were Public Safety Commissioner Leonard C. Boyle; Colonel Edward Lynch, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police; Chief State’s Attorney Kevin Kane; Craig Turner, vice chair, Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking; and Dan Tearno, vice president, corporate relations, Heineken USA.

“The Connecticut Department of Public Safety and the State Police are pleased that Heineken USA has once again chosen to support us in our efforts to help ensure that underage youth are not supplied alcohol in any environment,” said Commissioner Boyle. “Particularly during the holiday season, it is vital that we remind Connecticut residents to have a plan for getting home before they make the decision to drink. We also want to remind parents and retailers that they have a legal obligation to prohibit the possession and consumption of alcohol by those under the legal drinking age. Our residents and those who visit our state need to know they will face harsh consequences if they break the law.”

Dan Tearno, vice president, corporate relations, Heineken USA, noted, “As a leading alcohol beverage company, Heineken USA firmly believes we have an important role to play in identifying solutions to issues associated with alcohol consumption. This is an objective that requires the cooperation of many stakeholders and we are committed to working with local communities and law enforcement officials to develop unique programs that help promote and ensure responsible behavior related to alcohol consumption. Our ongoing relationship with the Connecticut State Police and support of their efforts are an important step in making a positive impact in our communities.”

This joint program was developed to ensure all Connecticut residents are aware of a recent law that further enforces the liability for parents allowing underage consumption at adult-hosted house parties. The law, which went into effect Oct. 1, puts parents at risk of being arrested, serving jail time and paying fines for serving their child’s underage friends, or allowing underage alcohol possession or consumption in their home.

The campaign’s eye-catching graphics dramatically warn of the consequences of illegal behavior associated with underage alcohol consumption. Flashing lights from a state police cruiser are displayed on the artwork, along with the warning, “These aren’t holiday lights.” Operation SANTA messages will be delivered across the state beginning today and through the New Year.  Among the activations are:

• A presence on 240 movie screens across the state through ScreenVision Cinema Slides;
• In-mall signage at Stamford Town Center, Westfarms and Westfield Trumbull;
• A statewide public service announcement that will air on a number of radio stations;
• Posters and stickers displayed in restaurants, liquor stores and other venues where alcohol beverages are sold;
• Ongoing support at ResponsibleMeans21.com.

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