Designated Driver

The Designated Driver campaign forms part of Coca‑Cola Great Britain’s pledge to promote the positive role that soft drinks can play as credible alternatives to alcohol.

The nationwide campaign, now in its fourth year, rewards drivers who choose not to drink with a ‘buy one, get one free’ offer on Coca‑Cola and Diet Coke, and is a key feature of our overall commitment to responsible marketing.

For the first time, NUS bars will also take part in Designated Driver in 2011. Altogether, around 8,000 pubs across the UK have signed up to support responsible drivers.

To help people find their nearest participating pub, designated drivers and their friends can visit our online Pub Finder to find a venue in their area. The scheme will officially run for three weeks from December 9th to 31st and is part of an ongoing partnership with the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) Driver Friendly campaign, part of the THINK! Road Safety initiative.

Organisations that support Designated Driver:

Department of Transport
"The number of drink drive deaths has fallen by more than 75% since 1979, but drink driving is still devastating lives with around 250 people killed in collisions where the driver was over the limit last year. Our THINK! Campaign makes it clear that drivers who get behind the wheel over the limit risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence. I am pleased that our Driver Friendly campaign will be teaming up with Coca‑Cola and pub chains across the country to reward designated drivers as well as remind people of the consequences of getting a drink drink conviction. No one wants to spend their Christmas in a police cell. My message is clear: don't drink and drive." Mike Penning, Road Safety Minister

To find out more about the THINK! Christmas Drink Drive campaign, please click here.

ACPO
“ACPO is pleased to support this initiative. There are still hundreds of people dying and suffering life-changing injuries on our roads in drink related crashes and the consequences spread far beyond those directly involved. Our message is that one alcoholic drink is too many if you are driving, and Coca‑Cola is making it easier to resist the temptation to have that alcoholic drink.” DCC Suzette Davenport, Head of ACPO Roads Policing

British Beer & Pub Association"Everyone deserves a great night out at the pub at Christmas. Having a designated driver means people can choose great pubs and get in the party mode, knowing they can have a safe journey home. Coca‑Cola should be congratulated for once more backing this ‘win-win’ campaign.” Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive

Road Safety GB
"Road Safety GB as a leading organisation in casualty reduction in the UK fully supports the work of Coca‑Cola, in helping reduce drink driving and to drive down road casualties this festive period. It is vital that efforts such as this, from within the drinks industry, are given maximum support, as this will affect drink driving decisions at the point of sale." Alan Kennedy, Chairman

RAC"RAC fully backs this campaign. The designated driver provides an essential service over the Christmas period and it’s great that they can be kept topped up with soft drinks on nights out. Drinking and driving wrecks lives and this campaign can only help to prevent people taking unnecessary risks." David Bizley, Director of Technical

Wine and Spirit Trade Association"Encouraging the nation to drink responsibly is a particular priority over the festive period, which is why we’re delighted to support a campaign that sets out to reward responsible behaviour. It’s an approach consumers respond well to, and we wish Coca‑Cola every success with this year’s Designated Driver scheme." Jeremy Beadles, Chief Executive

RAC Foundation"Looking after friends and family is important to everyone. And when it comes to a good night out, the best way you can do this as a designated driver is not to drink alcohol. The RAC Foundation is delighted to support Coca‑Cola’s campaign to focus on the drivers who are going to get the party home safely.” David Quarmby CBE, Chairman

RoadSafe"One too many is all too easy on a night out. Having a designated driver is a great way to enjoy an evening without fear or penalty. Well done
Coca‑Cola for a smart initiative." Adrian Walsh, Director

AA Drive Tech
“As a driver training provider for people who drive for work, AA DriveTech welcomes this highly appealing initiative by Coca‑Cola. It’s estimated that some 20% of drivers prosecuted for drink driving were either at, or on their way to, work. While most employers have robust policies on drink driving, a minority of business drivers still believe that driving, after a few drinks at lunchtime or a Christmas party, won’t impair their judgement. We believe that all drivers should drive ‘alcohol free’ and support Coca‑Cola’s campaign to make this a reality.” Jim Kirkwood, Managing Director

National Union of Students
"NUS welcomes Coca Cola's Designated Driver campaign and looks forward to students getting involved in this fun, simple and effective way of encouraging responsible drinking." Pete Mercer, Vice President (Welfare)

Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers"Well done to Coke for a great Designated Driver campaign in 2010 – we’re delighted they’re mounting it again in 2011. Pubs are the best place for festive fun and designated drivers make it easier to have a worry-free occasion." Nick Bish, Chief Executive

BEDA
“One death on our roads through drink driving is one too many. The market place has changed dramatically over the last six years with more and more customers pre-loading with cheap supermarket drinks before they head into our towns and cities for a night out. With most of our members now trading, particularly at weekends, into the early hours of the morning it has become essential that we promote responsible drinking and BEDA and its members are fully behind Coca‑Cola’s Christmas campaign.” John Hayes, Chairman

BII

"The BII supports responsible retailing and this campaign is an excellent example of how licensed premises can encourage their consumers to stay safe over the festive period. We would like to congratulate Coca‑Cola for encouraging responsible drinking with this scheme.” Neil Robertson, Chief Executive

• Promotion runs from 9th to 31st December, 2011 at participating venues.
• Venues deemed to be ‘participating’ have confirmed with Coca‑Cola that they wish to take part, and have been issued with an activation kit and stock. It is the responsibility of the venue to activate and maintain this promotion throughout the pre-agreed period. Offer subject to availability. Individual venues may apply additional terms.
• When purchasing drinks including either a Coca‑Cola or Diet Coke, please make it known to the bar staff if you or one of your group is a designated driver.
• In return for purchasing a Coca‑Cola or Diet Coke, designated drivers will be given a voucher to get another one free when they return to the bar.
• This offer is not applicable if the designated driver has already been drinking alcohol.