Through its drinkaware.ie initiative, MEAS is fully supporting Coca-Cola Bottlers’ Christmas campaign to encourage consumers who are driving to refrain from drinking alcohol when visiting licensed premises during the holiday period. The designated driver is entitled to three free soft drinks from the Coca-Cola Bottlers portfolio at participating licensed premises.

Fionnuala Sheehan, CEO, MEAS says “It only takes one drink to impair good judgment on the road and we hope that the public will respond to the campaign in a positive way.”

The offer is open to all designated drivers at participating licensed premises throughout the country – a designated driver is defined as anyone who is carrying two or more passengers and abstaining from alcohol consumption. The range of non-alcoholic beverages available includes Coca-Cola, diet Coke, Sprite, Sprite Zero, Fanta, Fruice juices as well as Deep RiverRock water in both still and sparkling.

“We really hope by providing a free alternative, drivers will make the right decision this Christmas” Mr Alfie Lydon, Managing Director, Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland.

The campaign is being supported by a number of key organisations, including Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (MEAS), Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI), Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), Beverage Council of Ireland (BCI), and the Irish Nightclub Industry Association (INIA).