For the first time, Kentucky Distillers’ Association has released its first-ever social responsibility impact report detailing the industry’s data-driven efforts to reduce impaired driving, promote mindful consumption, prevent underage access to alcohol, and respect non-drinkers.
The efforts include:
— Partnering with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to strengthen Kentucky’s DUI laws.
— Capturing hundreds of fake IDs with Intellicheck’s AgeID state-of-the-art technology.
— Funding The Mocktail Project’s efforts to increase zero-proof cocktail menus across the Commonwealth, and
— Hired the industry’s first Director of Social Responsibility to develop and manage programs and policies that make a difference in alcohol responsibility, community engagement and environmental sustainability.
A digital version can be accessed online at https://kybourbontrail.com/responsibility/.
“These efforts are genuine and demonstrate our willingness to collaborate with a variety of non-traditional partners across the public, private and non-profit sectors,” said Josh Hafer, Senior Manager at Heaven Hill Brands and Chairman of KDA’s Social Responsibility Committee, said. “It isn’t a marketing campaign. It’s a commitment that we take seriously.”
Alcohol Beverage Control enforcement officers in Louisville are now equipped with the same ID authentication technology that distilleries use, and the Louisville Downtown Partnership has uploaded the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour’s responsibility information onto all City Post terminals downtown.
The KDA also worked closely with legislators and MADD during the last legislative session to pass Senate Bill 85, which expands Kentucky’s ignition interlock program and offers monitoring and treatment services to help DUI offenders change harmful behaviors.
One of the most high-profile success stories has been the Safe Ride Kentucky coalition, led by the KDA and sponsored by Lyft, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, Becker Law Office, Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky, and AAA.
The group has offered discounted Lyft rides during high-traffic holidays like Independence Day, Labor Day, and the Christmas holidays. So far, the effort has kept almost 8,000 potentially impaired drivers off Kentucky roadways.