US: Coors boss pleads innocence on drink-driving

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 20 July 2006

Pete Coors, chairman of US beer giant Coors Brewing, has reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to reports in the US, Coors' lawyer entered the plea - as well as an identical plea for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign - at a court in Colorado yesterday (19 July).

Coors, 59, was arrested for driving under the influence after leaving a friend's wedding reception. The incident happened on 28 May when Coors was pulled over by a police officer for allegedly going through a stop sign.

Mr. Coors admitted last week that he had "made a mistake". He said: "I should have planned ahead for a ride. For years I've advocated the responsible use of our company's products. That's still my message, and our company's message, and it's the right message. I am sorry that I didn't follow it myself."

Officials at Coors Brewing, the third-largest brewer in the US, could not be reached for comment as just-drinks went to press.

Sectors: Beer & cider