Free drinks at pubs from Paignton to Exeter in major Christmas safety push

More than 260 pubs, clubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall will offer free soft drinks to designated drivers throughout December as part of the Lift Legend scheme.

Organised by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, the scheme rewards people who act as designated drivers for friends, family and colleagues. Venues taking part will give a voucher for a free soft drink to anyone who tells the bartender they are the “Lift Legend” for the night when they buy their first soft drink.

Participating venues span the region, including Harbour Lights in Paignton, the Old Market House in Brixham, the Royal Seven Stars in Totnes and Mill on the Exe in Exeter. 

The campaign aims to discourage drink-driving during the festive period by encouraging groups to nominate a sober driver.

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Adrian Leisk, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, urged caution. He 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.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and chair of the Vision Zero South West partnership, warned of the consequences of drink-driving. She said: “If being involved in a serious collision is not enough of a deterrent, think of the consequences if you are convicted.

"You can expect an automatic one-year driving ban, penalty points on your licence, a hefty fine and a criminal record… It’s just not worth it. Don’t take the risk.”

Among the venues taking part are about 40 pubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall run by St Austell Brewery. Chief operating officer Andrew Turner said: “We want to see everyone get home safely which is why we are delighted to be supporting the Lift Legend scheme… Soft drinks, Thatchers 0% cider and our Proper Job 0.5% IPA will all be available free of charge for designated drivers.”

The initiative runs alongside other festive safety measures, including Christmas Night Bus services across Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and North Devon, and increased patrols under Operation Limit targeting drink and drug-driving.

The correct total for the past five years (2020–24) is that 25 people have been killed and a further 253 seriously injured in collisions where alcohol impairment was a contributory factor. Last year more than 2,000 arrests were made for drink-driving in the region.

Vision Zero South West, which brings together councils, emergency services, NHS trusts and safety organisations, funds projects aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths on the roads.