The Australian Hotels Association (NSW), together with RADD (Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drink Driving), has launched the AHA (NSW)’s Designated Driver Christmas holiday campaign.

The AHA (NSW) has a solid history of supporting community programs and the Designated Driver program, which was a great success over the Easter period, promotes the idea that choosing a designated driver before going to licensed premises is a sensible option that prevents drink driving.

AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke said the message is simple and reinforces the AHA (NSW)’s message that patron safety in hotels is paramount.

“Hotels play an integral role in their local community and the AHA (NSW)’s Designated Driver campaign gets the message across that you either drink or drive – don’t do both,” Ms Fielke said.

“If you choose to have a few drinks over the Christmas holiday period, plan ahead and make sure you organise a designated driver or arrange to get a taxi home.”

Participating hotels have been issued with a Designated Driver DVD to played in their venues which broadcasts the message not to drink and drive from famous actors, athletes and recording artists.

Designated drivers will be asked to make themselves known to staff and receive a wristband which will then entitle them to free post-mix soft drinks or water for the night.

The campaign will run from Friday 18th December 2009 to Sunday 3rd January 2010.

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