More than 260 pubs offer FREE DRINKS to Lift Legends this Christmas

Designated drivers are being offered free soft drinks at over 260 pubs, clubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall throughout December.

The Lift Legend scheme, organised by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, aims to reward designated drivers for getting their friends, family and colleagues home safely.

Working alongside venues throughout the South West, the campaign aims to prevent incidents of drink-driving during the festive period.

Designated drivers simply let the bartender know that they are a Lift Legend for the night and, when purchasing their first soft drink, they will receive a voucher for a free one.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in South West England.

Last year, more than 2,000 arrests were made for drink-driving in the region.

Over the past five years (2020-24), 25 people have been killed and a further 253 were serious injured in collisions where alcohol impairment was a contributory factor.

The prescribed alcohol limit for driving in England is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

However, Adrian Leisk, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Head of Road Safety, had the following advice for drivers.

Mr Leisk said: “Alcohol affects everyone differently and it’s impossible to know exactly how many drinks will put you over the limit.

“You can also be arrested even if you are under the prescribed limit if you are deemed not to be in proper control of your vehicle.

“The only way you can be absolutely sure that you are safe to drive is by not drinking at all beforehand. Have ‘none for the road’ and make the most of the free drinks being offered by our fantastic Lift Legend venues.”

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership. 

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Sadly, the consequences of drink-driving are still not hitting home for some people. If being involved in a serious collision is not enough of a deterrent for would-be drink-drivers, think of the consequences if you are convicted.

“You can expect an automatic one-year driving ban, penalty points on your license, a hefty fine and a criminal record.

“There’s also the long-term impact to consider. If you drive for work, you could lose your job and your livelihood. Your insurance premiums will almost certainly increase and you may even have difficulty travelling to countries like the USA with a criminal conviction. It’s just not worth it. Don’t take the risk.

“I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the supportive pubs, clubs and hotels which have signed up to the Lift Legend scheme this year. You are doing your bit to help keep us all safe this Christmas.”

Among the venues taking part this year are 40 pubs and restaurants across Devon & Cornwall operated by St Austell Brewery.

Andrew Turner, Chief Operating Officer at St Austell Brewery, said: “Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends, family and work colleagues. As the South West’s largest pub company, directly managing 45 sites across the region, we look forward to welcoming thousands of guests to our pubs throughout the festive period.

“We want to see everyone get home safely which is why we are delighted to be supporting the Lift Legend scheme with Vision Zero South West, across our pubs in Devon and Cornwall, as well as our pubs in Somerset and Dorset.

“Soft drinks, Thatchers 0% cider and our award-winning Proper Job 0.5% IPA will all be available free of charge for designated drivers. Here’s to a happy and safe Christmas!”

For more information about Lift Legend – and to find your local participating venues – visit: Lift Legend: Free soft drinks for designated drivers this Christmas – vision-zero

As well as the Lift Legend campaign, a series of Christmas Night Bus services are also operating throughout the region. The buses run every Saturday night – as well as ‘Factory Friday’ and New Years Eve – and cover locations around Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay and North Devon, offering revellers a safe and cheap way to get home. For more details, visit Devon & Cornwall Police’s Night Bus webpage.

Throughout December, Devon & Cornwall Police are conducting Operation Limit, which sees increased patrols targeting drink and drug-driving throughout the region. Last year 178 people were arrested on suspicion of drink-driving during the Op Limit period.