A popular police scheme for designated drivers has returned in time for the festive party season.
More than a hundred licence premises across South Wales will be offering free or discounted soft drinks to those who abstain from alcohol to take to the wheel on a night out.
It's the fourth year of the South Wales Police DES initative, which began as a pilot in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and aims to promote responsible drinking with road safety in mind.
Throughout the Christmas period until the start of January, customers who make themselves known to bar staff as the designated driver can get a wristband allowing to get free or discounted draught soft drinks or squash.
A South Wales Police spokesperson added: "Whether this offer lasts all night, or for a stipulated amount of drinks, is determined by each individual licensed premises, as they are the ones covering the costs. South Wales Police provides posters and wristbands to advertise the scheme."
"We know it can sometimes be a burden being the designated driver but we hope this scheme will encourage more people to be aware of the very serious consequences of drink driving and the importance of being safe on the roads."
So far, five licenced premises in the Vale have signed up to the scheme, along with three in the Cardiff Bay area. They include:
- The Bear's Head, Windsor Road, Penarth
- The Mount Rooms Hotel, Porthkerry Road, Barry
- Park Hotel, Park Crescent, Barry
- The Golden Lion, Glebe Street, Penarth
- Three Horseshoes, Station Road, Dinas Powys
- Full Fat Social, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
- Portland House, Bute Street, Cardiff Bay
- The Dock, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
Any premises interested in joining the DES scheme can contact their local licensing team.
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