Wadworth gets behind anti-drink drive campaign

Devizes-based brewer Wadworth is supporting the government's anti-drink drive campaign over Christmas with a pair of fake hand pumps installed in its pubs to remind customers of their responsibilities.

The brewer is supporting the government's THINK! drink drive campaign with the pumps, which bear the legends 'No Wheels' and 'Stigma', to "serve as a stark reminder to customers when they are making that all important decision at the bar", it said in a statement.

Wadworth chairman Charles Bartholomew said of the initiative: "Christmas is a time to enjoy a drink or few with friends and family. Nobody is denying that, [but] we just want people to think carefully about the consequences of driving after that drink.

"The fake pumps are a great way to make people think in a way they'll understand. We don't want any festivities to be ruined by anyone having one too many and getting behind the wheel."

Wadworth will be simultaneously launching its 'I'll Be Des' campaign, the UK's biggest ever designated driver campaign and it has a simple message, 'always designate a non-drinking driver when you're out drinking'.

All of Wadworth's managed pubs will be offering free soft drinks to designated drivers through until the New Year.

Road Safety minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Thirty years of THINK! road safety campaigns have helped make drink driving socially unacceptable, but too many people are still dying on our roads in alcohol-related accidents.

"Even if you avoid an accident you still face very serious consequences.

"Anyone caught driving while over the limit will get a criminal record, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a fine.

"So if you're driving this Christmas, stick to the soft drinks."