The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Kicks Off Fall Football Promoting Responsible Tailgating
As football fans and party revelers prepare for one of the season’s favorite pregame traditions, the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) has partnered with The Charmer Sunbelt Group and football legend Joe Theismann to launch TURF—Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun.
“Pregame tailgating is a football ritual,” said WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf. “However, irresponsible behavior affects everybody and addressing disorderly conduct is a responsibility of everyone. Through TURF, WSWA has an opportunity to be part of the solution, which is consistent with our commitment to becoming the leading voice on responsible distribution of alcoholic beverages.”
The TURF campaign kicks off with a satellite media tour and a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) featuring former Washington Redskins’ quarterback, Theismann. “I am proud to work with WSWA and The Charmer Sunbelt Group to support safe and responsible tailgating,” said Theismann. “Too many times I have seen unruly and disruptive fans ruin the game day experience for others. I encourage all tailgaters to drink responsibly, have fun and enjoy the game.”
TURF also hosts a web site with tailgating tips for a successful and safe party with input from WSWA and The Charmer Sunbelt Group. “It is extremely important to The Charmer Sunbelt Group to protect the tailgating tradition by supporting zero tolerance for underage drinking and moderate consumption for fans 21 plus,” said The Charmer Sunbelt Group Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Charles Merinoff. “With that in mind, we are proud to support TURF, and its messages of safe, fun and responsible tailgating.”
Messages promoting safe and responsible behavior while consuming wine and spirits are part of a revitalized public awareness campaign embraced by WSWA.
In addition to TURF, WSWA has partnered with its member wholesalers, suppliers and retailers to send a strong industry message that underage drinking is unsafe, illegal and irresponsible via the “We Don’t Serve Teens” campaign.
These initiatives acknowledge that all three tiers of the beverage alcohol industry are united in an effort to protect America’s youth.
“Whether we’re reaching out through advocates like football hero Joe Theismann or getting messages to teachers and tailgaters, we realize that one of our greatest responsibilities within the beverage distribution system is to make certain that our products are distributed and consumed legally and responsibly,” said Wolf. “Campaigns like TURF provide us with a timely opportunity to educate the public and policymakers about our industry’s commitment to social responsibility as well as help promote a safe season for football fans and tailgaters alike.”
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry. It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits.