Free soft drinks are on offer to designated drivers as a reward for being responsible this Christmas.
The initiative, run by the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership Violence, Alcohol and Licensing (VAL) group with Swadlincote Pub Watch and Derby police licensing team is part of the season’s anti-drink drive campaign.
A total of 21 pubs and drinking establishments in the district, backed by brewers Molson Coors, Punch Taverns, Marston’s, Barracuda and Bespoke Inns, are taking part. Anyone who is out, but staying sober, to drive friends or family home can have free cokes or lemonades.
Safer Communities Manager Chris Smith said: “It’s that time of the year where everyone is making plans for parties and get-togethers. We want everyone to enjoy the festivities, but stay safe, so we’re rewarding drivers who are responsible before they get behind the wheel. Thanks to support from licensed premises, South Derbyshire District Council and Derbyshire police, there is no excuse to drink drive this winter.”
Participating venues include The Rising Sun, Greyhound, Joiners Arms, Nelson Inn and Snooker Centre in Woodville; the Crown Inn, Royal Oak, Anchor Inn and Labour Club in Newhall; the Railway Inn in Midway and the Drum and Monkey, Mount Pleasant and Travellers Rest in Church Gresley.
Also involved are the South Derbyshire Snooker Club, the Constitutional Club, Sir Nigel Gresley, Paramount, The Bear and Catchems in Swadlincote; The Dragon in Willington and Harpur’s of Melbourne.
PC Richard Morley from Derbyshire Constabulary’s licensing team, said: “Christmas should be a joyous time for everyone and that is why we are asking motorists to be safe not sorry. If you are going out in south Derbyshire have a great time but don’t drink and drive. The consequences could be disastrous.”
The free drinks coincide with the police’s ‘Where will you night end?’ campaign taking place across Derbyshire, which aims to highlight the dangers of binge drinking.
Meanwhile in Derby and Chesterfield, East Midlands Ambulance Service are running the ‘PolAmb’ and triage. Their aim with police, to provide a safe, mobile first aid point and prevent trips to the emergency department.
The ‘PolAmb’ is a response vehicle staffed by a police officer and community paramedics on Friday and Saturday nights. It responds to calls coming in to both police and the ambulance service control rooms about incidents in the town and city centre. This allows paramedics to offer early medical assessment and treatment of people who are injured or taken ill in the town centre whilst allowing the police early intervention to deal with any crime or disorder related to the incidents attended. There is also a heated outdoor triage where minor injuries can be treated to reduce unnecessary admissions to the emergency department.
The scheme will run on December 21, 22, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve when night time activity in pubs and clubs will be at its peak. There will also be two police officers based in the emergency department in Chesterfield Royal Hospital on those nights to prevent any anti-social behaviour or violence.
The campaign is a joint initiative between police, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and community safety partnerships across the county. It aims to reduce alcohol related harm among Christmas partygoers by reminding them how it could end if they drink too much alcohol − in a police cell, in the emergency room or event before it’s started.
Superintendent Gary Parkin, who leads on the prevention of alcohol harm for Derbyshire police, said: “A lot of the incidents we are called to over the Christmas period affect both agencies and this scheme allows us to work together with the ambulance service and best utilise our resources. Not only will it reduce unnecessary admissions to the emergency room it will help to reduce violence and anti-social behaviour and reassure staff and members of the public visiting the town centre. We want people to enjoy the festive season but please be responsible and know your limits when drinking alcohol.”
Licensees and door staff are also aware of its presence and will direct the ‘walking wounded’ to the unit for treatment, rather than ringing for an ambulance.
