DES scheme returns for party season

Monday, 1 December 2025 12:37

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 are 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."

Eight licenced premises in the Vale have signed up to the scheme, along with three in the Cardiff Bay area. They include:

The Mount Rooms Hotel, Porthkerry Road, Barry
Park Hotel, Park Crescent, Barry
The Buck, Holton Road, Barry
The Golden Lion, Glebe Street, Penarth
The Bear's Head, Windsor Road, Penarth
One Town Hall Square, Cowbridge
The Cross Inn, Church Road, Cowbridge
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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