Pubs Join Forces in Sussex Fight Against Drink-Driving This Festive Season
Pubs, restaurants, and hospitality spots across Sussex took a stand over Christmas and New Year to tackle the deadly issue of drink-driving. Sussex Police licensing officers hit venues armed with posters, flyers, and 150,000 beer mats bearing tough slogans designed to get people talking – and thinking – before getting behind the wheel.
Drink-Driving: ‘Together We Can Stop It’ Campaign Hits Sussex
Sussex Police launched the national campaign Drink Driving: Together We Can Stop It following a survey that revealed a shocking statistic: over 80% of people want drink-drivers reported, yet less than half would report a friend. To smash this dangerous silence, officers cranked up patrols nationwide under Operation Limit, aiming to catch offenders before tragedy strikes.
Latest figures from 2020 show that 6,480 people were killed or injured in UK crashes involving drink-driving. Sussex Police were determined to cut those numbers with a grassroots approach, visiting dozens of venues to spread the message through specially-designed materials.
Catchy Slogans Push Mates to Stop Mates
- “Are you mate enough to have a word when someone’s had a few?”
- “Are you mate enough to let them crash on your couch, not on the road?”
- “Are you mate enough to call them out before someone calls 999?”
These hard-hitting messages appeared on beer mats and posters at hotspots like The Picture Playhouse pub in Bexhill, where licensing officer PC Daren Spalding met staff and customers to rally support.
“Working alongside pubs, restaurants and venues has been a crucial part of our campaign to tackle drink-driving,” said PC Spalding. “We’re pleased with the response from staff at these venues.”
“Drink-driving destroys lives. Despite warnings, reckless motorists still risk their lives and others. Our beer mats and posters encourage people to pre-book taxis, walk, or have a designated driver. And if that fails, we urge friends to report drink-drivers so we can arrest them before harm happens.”
Top Cop Says The Campaign Is Just The Start
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the UK’s top police officer for road safety, backed the push. “Our campaign does not stop here. Officers patrol 24/7, every day of the year to catch drink-drivers. We call on the public to prevent, persuade, and if needed, report drink-drivers.”
Results Speak Loud
Sussex Police’s festive crackdown led to 233 arrests for drink or drug-driving offences. More than 80 offenders have been charged and are due to face court. The message is clear: the cops mean business, and the festive cheer must never come at the cost of lives on the road.
