Hoyer Receives Award for Commitment to Fighting Drunk Driving, Underage Drinking

Washington, DC – Congressman Steny Hoyer (MD) was recently honored at the Century Council's fifth annual Congressional Awards luncheon on Capitol Hill for his commitment to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization funded by America's leading distillers that promotes responsible decision-making regarding alcohol through legislation, education, and public awareness campaigns.

"It is my privilege to partner with the Century Council on issues as important as combating underage drinking and drunk driving. By educating young people about the laws relating to buying and consuming alcohol, and the dire consequences that can occur if the laws are broken, the Council's efforts have undoubtedly helped numerous young people make responsible decisions. Our families and communities are safer because of the Council's work," Hoyer said.

Hoyer has worked with the Century Council on several notable projects.

In the fall of 2004, Hoyer and the Century Council launched the Cops in Shops® program aimed at deterring underage purchases of alcohol. The program brings together local law enforcement and retailers by selectively placing undercover officers inside participating retailers to target minors attempting to purchase alcohol and adults who trying to purchase alcohol for them. The officers warn any offenders about the consequences of illegally buying alcohol, and the retailers and law enforcement officers are provided with instruction manuals and training videos from the Century Council.

Hoyer also partnered with the Century Council on a public service announcement for the 5th Congressional district taped with Brandon Silveria, who was involved in an alcohol-related crash at age 17 prior to his high school prom. Silveria and his father now speak to students about making responsible decisions with alcohol.

The awards luncheon was held July 27th.

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