Pubs and Police Join Forces to Crush Drink-Driving Over Festive Period
Sussex pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues stepped up big time this Christmas and New Year to slam the brakes on drink-driving.
Licensing officers from Sussex Police hit the bars armed with thousands of beer mats, posters, and flyers to get customers talking and thinking twice before driving drunk.
New Campaign Targets Those Too Scared to Speak Up
Sussex Police launched the national “Drink Driving: Together We Can Stop It” campaign after a shocking survey revealed a huge gap. While over 80% wanted drink drivers reported, fewer than half would actually dob in a mate.
To back this up, forces cranked up patrols nationwide under Operation Limit to catch offenders red-handed and keep roads safer.
Massive Distribution of Beer Mats and Slogans Spark Chat in Sussex
More than 150,000 beer mats emblazoned with hard-hitting slogans hit venues around the county. Lines like:
- “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?”
helped raise awareness over the busy festive season.
PC Daren Spalding, Hastings and Rother licensing officer, personally visited dozens of venues, including The Picture Playhouse pub in Bexhill where staff proudly displayed the campaign materials.
Police Urge Public to Step Up and Stop Drink-Driving
“Working alongside pubs and venues has been crucial to our campaign,” said PC Spalding. “Drink-driving destroys lives. Despite warnings, some still risk it. That’s why we’re encouraging folks to pre-book taxis, walk, or choose a designated driver.”
“Our beer mats also nudge people to persuade mates not to drive drunk and help them get home safely. And as a last resort, we ask the public to report drink-drivers so we can stop them before tragedy strikes.”
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, the country’s top road safety cop, added:
“Our lifesaving work won’t stop here. Officers are patrolling 24/7, every day of the year, to catch offenders. We call on everyone to prevent, persuade, and where needed, report drink-drivers.”
So far during the campaign, Sussex Police arrested 233 suspected drink or drug-drivers, with over 80 already charged and set to appear in court.
The message is loud and clear: don’t drink and drive – look out for your mates, call a cab, or stay put. The roads (and lives) depend on it.
