Plymouth to give free soft drinks to designated drivers

Designated drivers in Plymouth will be rewarded for being responsible and staying sober this Christmas with free soft drinks.

The Designated Driver Scheme has been launched in the city and bars, pubs and clubs have signed up to the Plymouth City Council and Best Bar None initiative. The scheme is part of the festive anti drink drive campaign in the city.

Anyone who is out partying but staying sober in order to drive their friends home can get free soft drinks at participating venues. Designated drivers will be handed a drinks card that will be stamped every time a free soft drink is handed out.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Co-operatives and Community Development said: “The festive season is almost upon us and everyone is making plans for Christmas parties and get-togethers. We want people to be able to enjoy the festivities but stay safe so we’re rewarding drivers who are being responsible and not drinking before they get behind the wheel.

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“By working with our partners and with vital support from licensees in the city, we hope this scheme will help reduce drink driving and mean a safe night out for people and I’d like to thank Best Bar None and participating venues for their significant contributions and support.”

Some of the city centre venues that have signed up include the Berkeley, the Roundabout, the Mount Pleasant and the Noah’s Ark. The scheme has also been targeting suburban pubs, the Ship in Elburton, the Plymstock Inn, the Blue Peter in Plymstock, the Post Office in Plympton and the King’s Arms in Oreston are among those taking part. More venues are signing up every day. Participating venues will display the Designated Driver window stickers and posters.

Mick McDonnell from Best Bar None said:"We’re very pleased to be helping with the development and delivery of this scheme and to have seen so many venues already supporting and joining up. By taking part in the designated driver scheme, we as a trade hope that the people of Plymouth will embrace the initiative and that Plymouth will be a safer place this Christmas."

Chief Superintendent Chris Singer, Devon and Cornwall Police added: “Devon and Cornwall police gives its full backing to the designated driver scheme. Christmas should be a joyous time for all and we support everyone involved in the city’s entertainment industry who will help thousands of people to do just that. But rarely does a festive season go by without a family being cast into despair when a loved one is injured, or even worse killed, because they have driven after drinking at a Christmas party.

“If you are going out in Plymouth this Christmas have a great time but for everyone’s sake don’t drink and drive.”

The Designated Driver scheme is part of the Council’s ongoing campaign to tackle crime in the city.