Designated Driver Christmas Holiday Campaign

Over the Easter period this year, the AHA (NSW) trialled a designated driver campaign in certain areas across NSW.

The AHA (NSW) has again teamed with RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes against drink drinking) to put together a simple DVD with the simple message – “Don’t drink and drive”.

The AHA (NSW) Designated Driver Christmas holiday campaign will run from 18th December 2009 to 3rd January 2010.

The AHA (NSW), with the support of the NSW Police will again run this campaign over the Christmas holiday period to encourage patrons to plan their night out in terms of either organising a taxi, arranging for someone to pick them up or bringing a designated driver with them.

Should they choose to bring a designated driver out for the night, participating AHA (NSW) hotels will offer their support by offering free post-mix soft drinks or water to the designated driver whilst they’re on licensed premises.

All the designated driver is required to do is identify him or herself upon entering the venue where they will receive a wristband (enclosed), which will entitle them to receive free post-mix soft drinks or water for the duration of their stay.

As part of this campaign, the AHA (NSW) has also partnered with Radio 2GB to spread this message over the Christmas period. For other regional areas where 2GB does not syndicate, we have prepared a pro forma media release to assist you to promote your own venue and the Christmas message to your local media.

By participating in this campaign, you are sending the message to the NSW community that hotels play an integral role in their local community. We want our patrons to have a great night out but to ensure that they get home safely.

Once you have registered your hotel in the program, you will be sent an information kit which includes the following:

• A simple checklist of how to participate in this campaign;

• A DVD to be played in your hotel, promoting the responsible drinking message, highlighting patron safety;

• A pro forma media release, which you can personalise for your hotel and forward to your local media; and

• Wristbands to be issued to any designated drivers.

 The support required from your venue is the provision of post-mix soft drinks or water.

To register your hotel's participation in the Designated Driver Christmas holiday campaign or if you require any media assistance in terms of promoting your hotel as a participant, contact Samantha Panigiris on 02 8218 1823 or email Samantha.Panigiris@ahansw.com.au by 17 December 2009.