Pubs invite drivers to take soft option

Devon and Cornwall Police’s Lift Legend campaign will return this December with almost 80 licensed premises set to offer free soft drinks to designated drivers over the festive period.
Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in South West England. Last winter, Devon and Cornwall Police arrested 952 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
In a bid to tackle drink and drug driving, police have announced the return of its popular drink drive campaign, Lift Legend, an initiative that looks to reward designated drivers with free drinks as a ‘thank you’ for getting their friends, colleagues and family members get home safely.
Lift Legend will run from now to Monday, January 1.
Drivers buying a soft drink in one of the initiative's participating venues will receive a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.
During the month-long operation, Devon and Cornwall Police will be using social media channels to raise awareness of the dangers involved with drink and drug driving, carrying out intelligence-led checks and engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.
Sergeant Owen Messenger, of the Road Casualty Reduction Team, said: “If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again. Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system increases the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or other road users.
“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.
“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Devon and Cornwall Police. Our officers will be out in force, rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.
“This vital work is complimented by the Lift Legend initiative, which encourages those heading out to a Christmas party or festive night out to plan their journey home and nominate a Lift Legend.”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.
Commissioner Hernandez said: “Drink driving is unacceptable – it puts the driver, passengers and innocent members of the public at substantial risk.
“Those who are found guilty of this crime face losing their license and even going to prison, which could cost you your job and livelihood.
“This doesn’t just apply to people who are on a big night out, those driving the morning after a few drinks could also unexpectedly be over the limit and unfit to drive.
“Please, don’t risk it – take advantage of this offer and get free soft drinks for your designated driver.”
The Commissioner added: “Let’s make sure everyone gets home safely this Christmas.”
If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, please dial 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.
For more information about the campaign or to find participating venues near you, visit: www.dc.police.uk/LiftLegend
Participating premises in Devon:
Newton Abbott
Stover Golf Club, Newton Abbott, TQ12 6QQ; Welcome Stranger, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JA
Torquay
The Rock Garden, Torquay, TQ2 5ES
Paignton
Cantina, Goodrington, TQ4 6BU; Mercure Paignton, Paignton, TQ4 6BQ; Ibis Styles Hotel, Paignton, TQ4 6BQ; Marine Hotel, Paignton, TQ4 6AP; Molly’s, Paignton, TQ4 6DT
Dartington
Things Happen Here, Dartington, TQ9 6JD
Teignmouth
The Castle Inn, Holcombe, EX7 0LF; The Brass, Teignmouth, TQ14 8SR; Exeter Gin, Teignmouth, TQ14 8QN; Devon Arms, Teignmouth, TQ14 8DE; The Richard Newton Hall, Teignmouth, TQ14 8QP; and the Cockhaven Arms, Bishopsteignton, TQ14 9RF