Could the industry do more to support anti-drink driving campaigns by selling soft drinks at lower prices? In Teesdale, Pubwatch members agreed that designated drivers would qualify for a free or discounted soft drink throughout December and into the New Year. Story from the Teesdale Mercury here. Contact details for the Pubwatch vice-chair, manager of the Raby Arms in Barnard Castle, via this site.
Meanwhile, a Lancashire survey has revealed that soft drinks are no cheaper, and often far more expensive, than beer in many pubs and clubs, reports Morecombe Today. Only four pubs declared they were running a 'designated driver' scheme where the driver of a party receives free or discounted drinks for the night over Christmas.
Lancashire's chief Trading Standards officer is critical of the industry in the report, saying: "We're disappointed that so few pubs have signed up to the designated driver campaign and are doing nothing to encourage drivers to take the 'soft option' on drinking. It is surprising because the campaign is actually run by the drinks industry and is a recognition of the fact that the trade has a part to play in encouraging responsible use of alcohol."
Details of the Portman Group's scheme 'I'll be Des' here.
The Department of Trade and Industry did a national survey in 1999 of soft drinks pricing and whether information about drinks was displayed correctly, here. Might be useful as a benchmark.
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