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
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