Designated Drivers Get Free Food at On Pub

One restaurant owner has come up with a plan to keep party-goers safe. At 495 Degroate Road, the designated driver gets free non-alcoholic drinks and a no-cost appetizer of his or her choice.

"We've been doing it on the weekends," and it's bound to be popular over the upcoming three-day St. Patrick's Day celebration, said Brett Trumpey, part-owner of Tom Kelly's.   

Sitting with a group of friends who are drinking while you can't tends to put a damper on the night. So Trumpey came up with a plan to help those who have accepted the role of designated driver.

"W e want them to have fun too." A little free food and free non-alcoholic drinks is sometimes just enough to keep a designated driver happy. It keeps the party safe, he said.

"And for us, we don't have to worry about who's driving," said Trumpey, who highlighted the liability the restaurant assumes when serving alcohol. With the designated driver program, "we don't have to police everybody.

"It gives us peace of mind, and the people who come out peace of mind."

The program has worked to keep the restaurant's insurance down too. "It's good idea all-around. I think every place should have it."

For those without a non-drinking companion

Trumpey said the wait staff is trained to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations. There are posters with cab numbers in the bathrooms, and the staff has those numbers at the ready. "We offer to call a friend or (family member) for those who have had too much to drink.

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