Going Soft - designated driver scheme

Merseyside Police has teamed up with a number pub landlords and bar owners in St.Helens to offer a free soft drink with every round in a drive to stay safe this Christmas and help cut the risk of drink driving.

The designated driver scheme means that if a group of three or more revellers has a person with them who agrees to cut out alcohol and drive, then that person will be able to get a free soft drink with each round of drinks purchased. All they have to do is show their driving licence and car keys to staff.

A number of bars in the town centre have agreed to take part in the scheme, which runs throughout the month of December and into the New Year.

Kevin Ward, licensing Police Constable for St.Helens said: "We want to ensure that people have a great night out and can get home easily and safely afterwards. Licensees are fully supportive of the initiative and by giving the designated driver an incentive to keep to soft drinks, we hope it will help more people get home safely after an enjoyable night out."

Matthew Williams (The Sefton), St.Helens Pub Watch chairperson said: "Pub Watch fully support this initiative and look forward to working together with the police to ensure our customers have a safe and enjoyable evening."