Coca-Cola offers free soft drinks to drivers

Coca-Cola has teamed up with the Department of Transport to offer free soft drinks for designated drivers at over 8,000 pubs, bars and restaurants this Christmas.

Coca-Cola's Designated Driver campaign has teamed up with THINK! — the Department of Transport's drink-drive campaign.

There will be radio advertising, posters in pub toilets and online ads to promote the campaign — but no TV ads.

Designated drivers will be able to take advantage of a "buy one get one free" offer on Coke and Diet Coke at participating outlets.

Jon Woods, country manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland said: "This Christmas we're proud to be partnering with the Government's THINK! initiative to help raise awareness of responsible drinking.

"By rewarding those drivers who choose not to drink with a free Coke or diet Coke, we can encourage people to do the right thing while still enjoying a great night out. It's a different approach to responsible drinking but our consumers love it."

"Drivers should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel after drinking this Christmas, they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence," said road safety minister Mike Penning.

"Christmas should be a time for a celebration not a night in the cells. That is why we have teamed up with Coca-Cola and pub chains this Christmas to reward designated drivers as well as reminding drivers of the consequences of getting a drink drive conviction.

"Last year 380 people were killed in accidents where the driver was over the limit. That is why our message is clear: don't drink and drive."