July 10, 2006

Rice Partners with Heineken to Curb Underage Drinking

Heineken supplies district attorney with devices to detect fake IDs

Mineola, NY - District Attorney Kathleen Rice has launched "Operation Teen Proof" as part of a continuing effort to curb the problem of underage drinking in Nassau County.

Under the "Operation Teen Proof" program, the Nassau County District Attorney's Office will be delivering, free of charge, Security Laminate Verifiers supplied by Heineken USA, to every licensed alcohol establishment in Nassau County. By revealing the laminate security feature, these verifiers give proprietors the ability to identify the authenticity of any New York State Driver's License issued after April 1997.

District Attorney Rice stated, "Underage drinking is a problem in Nassau County and across the nation, often serving as the trigger for any number of crimes including drunk driving, domestic violence and sexual assaults. Preventing these tragedies requires the cooperation of law enforcement and the business community, working together to ensure that alcoholic beverages can only be obtained by those 21 or older. I am grateful to Heineken USA for funding the purchase of these devices which will assist local businesses in determining fake ID's."

"Heineken USA is pleased to support District Attorney Rice in launching Operation Teen Proof in Nassau County," said Tamara Moore, Director of Corporate Communications, Heineken USA. "Heineken is committed to ensuring the responsible sale, promotion and consumption of our products and the Security Laminate Verifiers will enable responsible alcohol beverage retailers to effectively deal with the problem of counterfeit licenses. Heineken USA recognizes that underage drinking is a serious problem, which must be fought on many fronts and is proud to join DA Rice in that fight."

Rice said she looks forward to forming more partnerships with private businesses as she tackles underage drinking and drinking and driving in Nassau County.