ROAD safety "Oscars" have been awarded to publicans in Blackpool and Fleetwood who helped reduce drinking and driving over Christmas and New Year.

Blackpool Council's anti-drink-drive message encouraged one person in every group to be DES, a DESignated driver, and formed the basis of their attempt to crack down on drinking and driving.

The award ceremony took place at Blackpool Town Hall on Wednesday (February 23) to recognise the efforts made by hundreds of licensed premises, including those with special "drivers bars".

These bars are available for drivers and serve non-alcoholic cocktails, lagers, wines and soft drinks to help the drivers enjoy themselves while others are drinking

A variety of leisure and entertainment resort stars were present at the ceremony, including Lionel Vinyl and Chief Supt Richard Taylor of Blackpool Police who presented the gold awards.

The businesses were judged on design and also on how they managed to cater for the drivers without serving any alcohol.

The winners were Air Balloon in Squires Gate Lane, Flashmans in Talbot Road, and The North Euston Hotel on The Esplanade at Fleetwood. They all received an award for the best designed drivers' bar.

The ceremony reinforced the council's message about the importance of avoiding drinking and driving.

Blackpool's highways executive Coun Roy Fisher said he was delighted with the efforts made by the pubs, clubs, hotels and guest houses who helped to promote and make the anti-drink message successful.

Drinking and driving statistics have recently revealed that more than 500 people are killed each year and more than 15,000 people are injured in drink related accidents.

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