Pubs' new cocktail: Don't drink & drive

So, the next time you party with your friends, one of you can become the 'sober driver' or, as some call it, the 'designated driver'. That person will be given a badge, which would denote that he or she would not consume alcohol. Instead the person can have mocktails and fruit juices. And claim the reward. This won't be restricted to only one person in a group. If among a group of eight friends, even if only one person drinks, then the rest of the seven would all be given vouchers that can be redeemed on their next visit.

Such a concept is already in vogue in some other parts of the world, including the US, but in India it's only just taking off. Zara Tapas & Bar on Ulsoor Road in Bangalore has recently started this campaign, which the bar says has got phenomenal response. "So far close to ten people have taken up this offer and have come back to the bar to encash their vouchers," says Vidya, the bar manager. The restaurant-cum-pub is running the same campaign across its outlets in Chennai as well.

Hard Rock Cafe, which is present in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore is also planning to introduce a similar campaign within a month. There are others who have adopted a different approach.

The Beach hires cabs to take their guests home safely. Of course charges are borne by the guest. Luxury hotels are offering chauffeurs services, besides providing rooms at 50% discount, if you have had a drink and don't want to take the risk of driving home. At Vivanta in Whitefield Bangalore, for just Rs 400-500, the hotel will get you home, courtesy their staff chauffeur.