Designated drivers can claim free or discounted soft drinks at pubs and bars across Swansea during this summer’s festival of international football.
South Wales Police is supporting the scheme — known as ‘DES’ — which runs from Thursday 11 June until Sunday 19 July, with more than 30 licensed premises taking part across the force area.
Four Swansea venues have signed up: Coyote Ugly Saloon, Jack Murphy’s and One Eyed Willy’s on Wind Street, and Jack Murphy’s Uplands on Uplands Crescent.
The idea is simple: a designated driver is someone who stays off the alcohol to get themselves — and everyone else — home safely. The scheme aims to make that job a little less thankless.
Drivers at a participating venue on a matchday just need to make themselves known to bar staff, who will hand over a ‘DES’ wristband — unlocking free or discounted draught soft drinks or squash for the rest of the visit.
Each venue decides the detail of its own offer — whether it runs all night, covers a set number of drinks, or applies to selected matches — as the pubs themselves cover the cost, with the force providing posters and wristbands to promote the scheme.
The campaign comes with a serious message about summer drink-driving — and a few reminders that bear repeating.
Police point out there is no reliable way to know how much you can drink and stay under the limit, as it depends on weight, age, metabolism, what you’ve eaten and other factors.
There is also no way to speed up sobering — a shower or a coffee might make you feel better, but it won’t remove alcohol from your system.
And the morning after counts too: after a heavy evening, you may still be over the limit the next day — and could lose your licence if you drive.
The force said driving under the influence of drink or drugs can create false confidence behind the wheel and increase risk-taking — with the biggest danger of all being causing a collision that puts your life and others’ at risk.
Licensed premises interested in joining the scheme are asked to contact their local licensing team.
