Friday 24 June

Auckland Transport signs up Auckland sports clubs to new alcohol campaign

Heat sensitive urinal stickers which reveal a 'sober driver' message when urinated on are part of a new campaign encouraging sportsmen to make it home safely after a night drinking.

According to Police there is a notable increase in drink driving related offenses on weekends, after sport.

Senior Sergeant Mike Stopforth of Counties Manukau road policing unit says "From experience there is an increase in drink driving during the winter months. A good example of this was last year while working on a district drink operation, traffic was light while an All Blacks match was being played but as soon as the game had ended, traffic volumes picked up, as did the number of drink drivers we apprehended.

"We have also been running Operation Club Rooms recently where we have identified high risk club rooms in conjunction with our licensing section. We have found that there are still drink drivers leaving these premises," says Senior Sergeant Stopforth.

More than 100 sport clubs across Auckland have signed up to Auckland Transport's new "Make it a good one, Make it home 'alcohol campaign, targeting young male players aged 18-24.

Targeting rugby, football and rugby league clubs the campaign kicks off on Saturday at College Rifles Rugby Club, Pakuranga United Rugby Club and Grammar Carlton Rugby club. A cheerleader squad dancing to a song specially created for the campaign will be at the club launches.

Auckland Transport Community Transport Manager Matthew Rednall says sports clubs are in a position to influence the way people think about drinking.

"We are pleased to work with them to raise awareness and promote positive change around their drinking culture.

"The campaign is not about pointing the finger at sports clubs or saying members can't have a drink or two but rather educating clubs and their members to make wise choices.

"If you're out with your mates and having a few drinks, don't drink and drive, make plans to get home safely before you go out.

"Organise a designated sober driver, call a taxi or make use of the club's courtesy transport if one is available.

"Sport clubs are required to be responsible hosts, but they are also keen to support the campaign because the message is simple, specific to their sport and easy to introduce in their clubrooms," says Mr Rednall.

He hopes the campaign will be replicated in other regions across the country.

All Black legend Michael Jones is the voice of the campaign. He says "There's nothing better than catching up with mates after the game in the clubrooms, it can be a big part of a players sporting life, but drinking and driving shouldn't be. Look out for your mates and loved ones, get a sober driver and get home safe."

To get the message across posters, bar mats, chip cup stickers, scratch cards and special heat activated urinal stickers will also be sent to clubs taking part.

ENDS

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