MORE than 70 businesses are offering free soft drinks as part of a Dorset Police campaign to prevent drink driving over Christmas.

Pubs and bars across Dorset have agreed to serve free soft drinks to designated drivers in a bid to crack down on drink driving as part of the annual Lift Legend campaign.

The operation will run from December 1 until New Year's Day.

Drivers buying a soft drink in one of the contributing venues will in return get a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.

Last winter, Dorset Police arrested 319 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Education operations manager at Dorset Police, Laressa Robinson, 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 percent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.

“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Dorset Police.

"Officers will be out in force throughout December, 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.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick added: “I am pleased to see the return of the ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for 2023.

"It is crucial we continue to hammer home the message about the dangers of drunk driving and the damaging impact it can have not just on individuals, but also the wider community.

“This innovative campaign provides people with a practical solution by having a ‘Lift Legend’ designated driver and I would like to thank the businesses across Dorset who are supporting our efforts to help people get home safely this festive season.”

To see the full list of participating bars and pubs, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk. 

Participating venues by area:


Bournemouth:

All Hail Ale, Bournemouth, BH2 6BE

Aruba Bar and Restaurant, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA

The Acorn, Bournemouth, BH11 9AD

Bell, Bournemouth, BH7 6AX

Brewhouse and Kitchen, Bournemouth, BH2 5LU

Broadway Tavern, Bournemouth, BH8 9TG

The Brunswick Hotel, Bournemouth, BH8 8PX

Buffalo Bar, Bournemouth, BH9 2AA

Camden Bar, Bournemouth, BH14 0ES

Canvas, Bournemouth, BH2 5PW

Circo Lounge, Bournemouth, BH4 9DZ

The Dancing Jug, Bournemouth, BH2 5PW

The Dancing Jug, Bournemouth, BH8 8UE

DNA Bar, Bournemouth, BH1 1PE

The Four Horseman, Bournemouth, BH2 5RT

The Grove Tavern, Southbourne , BH6 3QS

Halo, Bournemouth, BH2 5AQ

Kings Arms, Bournemouth, BH10 4HZ

Lark Rise, Bournemouth, BH9 2AN

Quaff and Tipple, Bournemouth, BH6 3RA

The Old Fire station, Bournemouth, BH8 8AD

Porter House, Westbourne, BH4 9BG

Silver Back Ale House, Bournemouth, BH9 2EX

The Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9DN


Christchurch:

Amberwood Inn, Christchurch, BH23 5RQ

Bailey Bridge, Christchurch, BH23 2BN

The Fisherman’s Haunt, Christchurch, BH23 7AS

Stourvale, Christchurch, BH23 2AY


Poole:

Angel Inn, Poole, BH15 1NF

The Bakers Arms, Poole, BH16 6JF

Brewhouse and Kitchen, Poole, BH15 1NZ

Foundry Arms, Poole, BH15 1QG

George Hotel, Poole, BH15 1DY

Goods Yard, Poole, BH18 8AX

Knight Life Tap House, Poole, BH14 0EQ

New Inn, Poole, BH15 2EL

New Star, Poole, BH12 4HU

Portsmouth Hoy, Poole, BH15 1HJ

St Peter’s Finger, Poole, BH16 6JE

Tap and Grape, Poole, BH18 8DX

Victoria Cross, Poole, BH14 0AT


Swanage:

Cellar Bar, Swanage, BH19 1DD

East Bar, Swanage, BH19 2LN

Globe Inn, Swanage, BH19 2RY

Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle, BH20 5EZ

Ship Inn, Swanage, BH19 2LR


Weymouth:

Admiral Hardy, Weymouth, DT4 0QU

Boot Inn, Weymouth, DT4 8JH

Famous Old Spa, Weymouth, DT3 5EQ

The George Inn, Portland, DT5 2AP

Hardy's Hophouse, Weymouth, DT4 8EQ

Nothe Tavern, Weymouth, DT4 8TZ

Springhead, Weymouth, DT3 6LW

The Old Ship, Weymouth, DT3 5QQ

The Red Lion, Weymouth, DT4 8TR

Spice Ship, Weymouth, DT3 6BJ

The Turks Head, Chickerell, DT3 4DS

Wellington Arms, Weymouth, DT4 8PY


Dorchester:

The Junction, Dorchester, DT1 1UF

Goldies, Dorchester, DT1 1HN

Sydney, Dorchester, DT1 2NG

Trumpet Major, Dorchester, DT1 2AB

Victoria Hotel, Dorchester, DT1 2LW


East Dorset:

Woodman, Ferndown, BH24 2SB

Elephant and Castle, West Moors, BH22 0JB

White Hart, Corn Market, Wimborne, BH21 1JL


North Dorset:

The Bakers Arms, Okeford, DT11 8ED

Charlton Inn, Blandford Forum, DT11 9NH

The Half Moon, Sherborne, DT93LN


Purbeck:

Red Lion Hotel, Winfrith, DT2 8LE

 

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.dorset.police.uk/LiftLegend