Anheuser and Diageo back Schwarzenegger

Anheuser-Busch and Diageo have both backed a bill signed by California state governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to get tough on under-age drinking.

Arnie has signed a bill which includes increased penalties for teenagers attempting to buy alcohol, or being in possession of, manufacturing or selling fake ID.

Andrew Baldonado, region vice president of government affairs for Anheuser-Busch, said: "The new law will complement the main programmes our wholesalers implement to help prevent under-age drinking ."

Guy Smith, executive vice president for Diageo, said the most important part of the legislation was tougher penalties for adults who bought alcohol on behalf of youngsters.

He said: "It is important for us to consider what real solutions are out there to eliminate under-age drinking and [the bill] is a step in the right direction."