“Why Not?” 2010 Spring Break Video Contest to Prevent Underage Drinking

January 2010



For Immediate Release



Contact: Jenn Meale 850.922.8981





Department of Business and Professional Regulation Launches “Why Not?”

2010 Spring Break Video Contest to Prevent Underage Drinking



TALLAHASSEE—Today, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation launched the second annual “Why Not?” Spring Break Video Contest, encouraging 14- to 20-year-olds to submit 30-second videos on why they choose not to drink alcohol underage during spring break. The contest harnesses the power of peer-to-peer communication and uses social networking sites, such as YouTube.com and SchoolTube.com, for submissions. While no money is being spent on the campaign, three winners will receive up to $1,000 Best Buy gift cards, which have been made possible by “Why Not?” sponsors. Contestants have from now through Saturday, Feb. 20, to create and submit their videos.



“As high school and college students throughout the country start spring break planning, we’re asking them to make the decision not to drink alcohol underage a part of those plans,” stated Interim Secretary Charlie Liem. “We believe that by creating a platform where underage youth can share videos directly with one another, we open the dialogue on underage drinking and allow them to influence each other.”



To participate, visit MyFloridaLicense.com and navigate from the “Customer Service Spotlight” section to the “Why Not?” Spring Break Video Contest page. All 30-second submissions are due by Saturday, Feb. 20, and can be submitted using YouTube.com or SchoolTube.com. The “Why Not?” winning videos will be selected by a panel of judges, representing: the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Governor’s Office of Drug Control, the Department of Education, Florida State University and Tri-Eagle Sales.



The top winning videos’ creators will be awarded “Producer” $1,000 Best Buy gift cards made possible by the Florida Retail Federation and The Charmer Sunbelt Group. A third video’s creators will be awarded the “Director” $500 Best Buy gift card made possible by Tri-Eagle Sales. All winners will have their videos posted on the DBPR Web site, shared through Facebook.com, and distributed to statewide media as public service announcements. Questions about the contest can be e-mailed to WhyNot@dbpr.state.fl.us.



The mission of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage persons, to ensure that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules regulating the industry in Florida, and to collect taxes and fees related to these industries. ABT is housed within the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.