DESIGNATED drivers can claim free soft drinks at dozens of pubs and clubs this Christmas.

Dorset Police has launched the 2023 Lift Legend campaign, which has seen 70 licensed premises sign up to offer free soft drinks to those getting behind the wheel over the festive period.

Drink and drug driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads in South West England.

Last winter, Dorset Police arrested 319 people for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In a bid to tackle the problem, Dorset Police has announced the return of its popular drink drive campaign, Lift Legend; an initiative that looks to reward designated drivers with free drinks as a ‘thank you’ for getting their friends, colleagues and family members get home safely.

Lift Legend will run from today (December 1) until Monday, January 1.

Drivers buying a soft drink in one of the participating venues will receive a voucher to get their second drink free of charge.

During the month-long operation, Dorset Police will be using social media channels to raise awareness of the dangers involved with drink and drug driving, carrying out intelligence-led checks and engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs.

Education operations manager at Dorset Police, Laressa Robinson, said: “If you think you are safe to drive after drinking or taking drugs, think again.

“Even the slightest amount of alcohol or drugs in your system increases the risk of causing serious harm to yourself or other road users.

“Despite long-term reductions, drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year.

“Tackling drink and drug driving is a priority for Dorset Police. Officers will be out in force throughout December, rigorously targeting those who are a danger on our roads, day or night.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick, added: “I am pleased to see the return of the ‘Lift Legend’ campaign for 2023.

“It is crucial we continue to hammer home the message about the dangers of drink driving and the damaging impact it can have not just on individuals, but also the wider community.

“This innovative campaign provides people with a practical solution by having a ‘Lift Legend’ designated driver and I would like to thank the businesses across Dorset who are supporting our efforts to help people get home safely this festive season.”

If you suspect someone has been drinking or has taken drugs and is about to drive, call 999 and provide the make and model of the vehicle, registration number and direction of travel.

Designated drivers can claim a voucher for free soft drinks

Which pubs and clubs are taking part in the Dorset Lift Legend scheme?

Around 70 venues across Dorset are supporting Dorset Police’s Lift Legend campaign for 2023.

Here are the venues who have so far signed up to offer free drinks to designated drivers:

Bournemouth:
All Hail Ale, Bournemouth, BH2 6BE
Aruba Bar and Restaurant, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA
The Acorn, Bournemouth, BH11 9AD
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Bournemouth, BH2 5LU
Broadway Tavern, Bournemouth, BH8 9TG
The Brunswick Hotel, Bournemouth, BH8 8PX
Buffalo Bar, Bournemouth, BH9 2AA
Camden Bar, Bournemouth, BH14 0ES
Canvas, Bournemouth, BH2 5PW
Circo Lounge, Bournemouth, BH4 9DZ
The Dancing Jug, Bournemouth, BH2 5PW
The Dancing Jug, Bournemouth, BH8 8UE
DNA Bar, Bournemouth, BH1 1PE
The Four Horseman, Bournemouth, BH2 5RT
Kings Arms, Bournemouth, BH10 4HZ
Lark Rise, Bournemouth, BH9 2AN
Quaff and Tipple, Bournemouth, BH6 3RA
The Old Fire station, Bournemouth, BH8 8AD
The Westbourne, Bournemouth, BH4 9DN
Bell, Bournemouth, BH7 6AX
Porter House, Westbourne, BH4 9BG
The Grove Tavern, Southbourne , BH6 3QS

Christchurch:
Stourvale, Christchurch, BH23 2AY
Fisher Amberwood Inn, Christchurch, BH23 5RQ
Bailey Bridge, Christchurch, BH23 2BN
man’s Haunt, Christchurch, BH23 7AS

Poole:
Angel Inn, Poole, BH15 1NF
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Poole, BH15 1NZ
Foundry Arms, Poole, BH15 1QG
George Hotel, Poole, BH15 1DY
Goods Yard, Poole, BH18 8AX
Knight Life Tap House, Poole, BH14 0EQ
New Inn, Poole, BH15 2EL
New Star, Poole, BH12 4HU
Portsmouth Hoy, Poole, BH15 1HJ
St Peter’s Finger, Poole, BH16 6JE
Tap and Grape, Poole, BH18 8DX
Victoria Cross, Poole, BH14 0AT

Swanage:
Cellar Bar, Swanage, BH19 1DD
East Bar, Swanage, BH19 2LN
Globe Inn, Swanage, BH19 2RY
Greyhound Inn, Swanage, BH20 5EZ
Ship Inn, Swanage, BH19 2LR

Weymouth:
Admiral Hardy, Weymouth, DT4 0QU
Boot Inn, Weymouth, DT4 8JH
Famous Old Spa, Weymouth, DT3 5EQ
Hardy’s Hophouse, Weymouth, DT4 8EQ
Nothe Tavern, Weymouth, DT4 8TZ
The Old Ship, Weymouth, DT3 5QQ
The Red Lion, Weymouth, DT4 8TR
Wellington Arms, Weymouth, DT4 8PY

Dorchester:
The Junction, Dorchester, DT1 1UF
Goldies, Dorchester, DT1 1HN
Sydney, Dorchester, DT1 2NG
Trumpet Major, Dorchester, DT1 2AB
Victoria Hotel, Dorchester, DT1 2LW

East Dorset:
Woodman, Ferndown, BH24 2SB
Elephant and Castle, West Moors, BH22 0JB
White Hart, Corn Market, Wimborne, BH21 1JL

North Dorset:
The Half Moon, Sherborne, DT93LN