Drivers are being offered non-alcoholic drinks at venues across the city through a police initiative to curb driving under the influence.
Christmas partygoers who stay sober to drive friends home can enjoy free soft drinks around Cardiff this December thanks to a relaunched road safety scheme.
Twenty-three pubs, clubs and bars will offer ‘designated drivers’ draught soft drinks and squash at no charge when visiting in a group. The initiative is led by South Wales Police and aims to promote responsible drinking over the festive period.
“It’s about safety first and looking after one another,” said Jenny Brookes, general manager at participating gastropub The Daffodil.
“At the end of the day, we don’t want people to have a drink here and then drive. We want to help the police out and make sure everyone’s getting home safely.”
Drivers can request a wristband from venue staff if they are giving other patrons who have been drinking alcohol a lift home.
While businesses are not reimbursed for the drinks handed out, one venue manager believes the scheme covers its costs.
“You find that people tend to stay an extra pint or two,” said Dewi Marles who manages The Blue Bell pub on Cardiff High Street.
“People we’ve spoken to said they’d rather stay where they feel looked after rather than going to a venue that doesn’t offer the scheme. If the designated driver feels comfortable and is enjoying themselves you find the group stays longer as well. They get to decide how long a group will stay. It pays for itself.”
The scheme has been running since 2022. It is part of a national policing strategy to help prevent the spike in drink driving incidents during the festive period.
Many police forces undertake a proactive operation around Christmas to increase targeted vehicle stops and breath testing for drivers suspected of being over the limit.
Roads Policing Inspector Michael Prickett said, “Unfortunately, many people continue to choose to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and this has a devastating impact on communities and individuals.”
South Wales Police added, “We know it can sometimes be a burden being the designated driver but we hope this scheme will encourage more people to be aware of the very serious consequences of drink driving and the importance of being safe on the roads.”
A complete list of participating venues can be found on the South Wales Police website.
Licensed premises interested in joining the scheme should contact their local licensing team.