PUBS and venues in Newquay are offering a free soft drink to designated drivers during the festive season to reduce drink driving.
Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, The Fort Inn, Steam Bar & Restaurant, Newquay Beach Hotel, Project Eighty Three, Central Inn and The Esplanade Hotel are taking part in the Lift Legend scheme.
The initiative organised by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership aims to reward designated drivers for getting their friends, family and colleagues home safely.
Designated drivers simply let the bartender know that they are a Lift Legend for the night and, when purchasing their first soft drink, they will receive a voucher for a free one.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in South West England. Last year, 419 drivers involved in road traffic collisions in Devon & Cornwall failed roadside breathalyser tests for alcohol.
In total, 1,946 arrests were made for drink-driving in the region last year, with the number standing at 1,429 so far this year.
The prescribed alcohol limit for driving in England is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
Adrian Leisk, Devon & Cornwall Police’s head of road safety, said: “Alcohol affects everyone differently and it’s impossible to know exactly how many drinks will put you over the limit.
“You can also be arrested even if you are under the prescribed limit if you are deemed not to be in proper control of your vehicle.
“The only way you can be absolutely sure that you are safe to drive is by not drinking at all beforehand. Have ‘none for the road’ and make the most of the free drinks being offered by our fantastic Lift Legend venues.”
Andrew Turner, the chief operating officer at St Austell Brewery, said: “Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends, family and work colleagues.
“As a responsible brewery managing 45 exceptional pubs across the south-west, we welcome thousands of guests through our doors during the festive period.
“We want to see everyone get home safely – which is why we are delighted to be supporting the Lift Legend scheme with Vision Zero South West across our pubs in Devon and Cornwall.
“As well as offering free soft drinks to designated drivers, our staff are also happy to call guests a taxi or advise on local bus and train times wherever possible.
“Here’s to a happy and safe Christmas!”
Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, who is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, said: “If you are convicted of drink-driving you can expect an automatic one-year driving ban, penalty points on your license, a hefty fine and a criminal record.
“There’s also the long-term impact to consider. If you drive for work, you could lose your job and your livelihood.
“Your insurance premiums will almost certainly increase and you may even have difficulty travelling to countries like the USA with a criminal conviction. It’s just not worth it. Don’t take the risk.
“I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the supportive pubs, clubs and hotels which have signed up to the Lift Legend scheme this year. You are doing your bit to help keep us all safe this Christmas.”