(Halifax, Nova Scotia) September 22, 1999 - The streets of Downtown Halifax just got safer thanks to a new designated driver program launched Thursday, September 23, 1999 by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

The program called "Someone for the Road", already has 22 participating bars/restaurants in the Downtown core, including Spring Garden Road, involved in the five-month community awareness campaign. This is the first coordinated downtown-designated driver program for the region.

"We have had an overwhelming positive response from the bar owners in our area. Many owners and managers think a program of this nature is long overdue, and they like the simplicity and common sense of the program," says Kate Carmichael, Executive Director, Downtown Halifax Business Commission.

The Downtown Halifax Business Commission decided to undertake a business and community awareness campaign concerning the role of designated drivers when it became apparent last winter that many drinking establishments Downtown did not have a standard policy. The issue was further heightened after the Commission worked out a cooperative effort with the Halifax Regional Police and Downtown bar owners to extend the winter parking ban, excluding snow storms, until most bars closed which was approximately 2 am.

"It very quickly became apparent to us, that our advocacy on behalf of the bar owners not only helped their business, but it made it easier for people to come to Downtown Halifax to enjoy one of the many establishments in our area," says Carmichael. "When the issue arose concerning designated driver policies those same bar owners asked us for our help to coordinate a community minded program."

The program encourages people who want to come Downtown with a group of friends to designate a driver. Designated drivers are asked to identify themselves to the bar manager or server at participating Downtown Designated Driver Establishments. Drivers will then receive an identifiable hand-stamp and two free designated driver tokens redeemable for pop, juice, coffee or tea and an unlimited supply of tap water while at the establishment. In return drivers will not be served any alcoholic beverages in downtown-designated driver establishments.

While alcohol related accident statistics are decreasing, there is still a significant number of alcohol related accidents in the region and province. Last year there were 474 regional alcohol offenses with 91 of those specifically originating in Downtown Halifax. Provincially, there were 563 road accidents involving alcohol, of which 33 were fatal. Last year, in HRM the highest age group for alcohol related driving accidents was between the ages of 20-29, and that is why the "Someone for the Road" campaign is aimed first at university students and then the general public.

"The goal of this community-minded program is to encourage responsible drinking downtown. This program recognizes and supports designated drivers and we want to encourage as many people to come to Downtown Halifax to enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants in our area, while creating and fostering a safe environment for all," says Carmichael.

Downtown participating bars/restaurants include: Boomers Lounge, Breakers Billiards Club, Cheers Lounge, Dooley's/Barrington St, Jerry's Pub, JJ Rossy's Bar & Grill, Lawrence of Oregano Pub, Lower Deck Good Time Pub, Maxwell's Plum English Neighborhood Pub, Mercury Restaurant & Lounge, Merrill's Café & Lounge, Mexicali Rosa's, My Apartment, Pacifico Bar & Grill, Peddler's Pub, Reflections Cabaret, Rogue's Roost Restaurant & Brew Pub, The Attic, The New Palace Cabaret, Thirsty Duck Pub & Eatery, The Speakeasy, and Your Father's Moustache Pub & Eatery.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of sponsors like Oland Brewery, Q104/C100, Royal and Sun Alliance, Canadian Soft Drink Association, Association of Canadian Distillers, The Chronicle Herald/Sunday Herald, Spring Garden Road Area Association, and Sparkling Springs.

For more information call:

Renee Field
Communications and Program Development
Downtown Halifax Business Commission
Tel: (902) 423-3848
Fax: (902) 429-0865
Email: Renee@DowntownHalifax.ns.ca