ADVISORY/Press Conference On Legislation Proposed by Senator Locke Burt and Representative David Russell to Address a Loophole in Florida Law.

News/Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Friday (March 15)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

          What: Press conference on legislation proposed by Senator
        Locke Burt (R-Ormond Beach) and Representative David Russell
        (R-Spring Hill) to address a loophole in Florida law. The new
        legislation would make it a second-degree felony (punishable
        by imprisonment for up to 15 years) for making or selling fake
        ID's. It already is illegal to possess equipment to make a
        fake ID's or use a false driver's license to attempt to buy
        alcohol beverages, tobacco or other age-restricted products.

          S.B. 520 is expected to be voted on in the Florida Legislature
        next week. There has been overwhelming support for this
        legislation. In addition, results from a new opinion poll of
        which captures the views from Tallahassee residents on fake
        ID's ("The Fake or Real poll") also will be unveiled at the
        press conference.

          This press conference is hosted by the Florida Beer
        Wholesalers Association and the Florida Retail Federation.
        These trade groups have pledged their strong support to these
        bills. Florida's beer wholesaling and alcohol beverage
        retailing industries see benefits to tougher laws to crack
        down on those who produce and sell fake ID's. Because fake
        ID's have dramatically improved in quality and availability in
        recent years, efforts to toughen penalties on those who use
        fake ID's or sell fake ID's are supported by companies such as
        Anheuser-Busch.

          Who: Expected to speak:

          -- The Honorable Senator Locke Burt
          -- The Honorable Representative David Russell
          -- Mitch Rubin, Executive Director, Florida Beer Wholesalers
           Association
          -- Scott Dick, Vice President, Florida Retail Federation
          -- Richard Turner, Director, Division of Alcoholic Beverages &
           Tobacco

          When: 10:45 - 11:15 a.m., Friday March 15

          Where: Andrew's Grill & Bar
               228 S. Adams
               Tallahassee, FL

          Other: Interviews: Speakers will be available for interviews
        immediately following the conclusion of the press conference:

          -- Interview availability: 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
          -- Photo Op: Display of fake ID's, b-roll footage of typical
        bar, convenience stores, educational materials provided to
        retailers to spot fake ID's