A new pub industry campaign for safer roads has been launched by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association (BLRA).

"Wheelwatch", the brand name for their drink/driving campaigning was launched over ten years ago and successive campaigns have been endorsed by Government, MPs and others. Most recent activity has involved short term campaigns aimed at getting the message to consumers at point of sale with beer mats and posters. A longer term and more permanent initiative is now underway and activity is being planned for an initial three year period.

BLRA member companies are being asked to embed the "Wheelwatch" approach into their company procedures through training; brand material; promotions and sponsorship; refurbishment; and internal/ external communications. A 'Good Practice Guide for Pub Owners and Licensees' has just been published and is being distributed throughout the licensed trade.

Lord Whitty, Minister of Transport has endorsed this guide and made reference to the work of the BLRA when he launched the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions Summer Drink/drive Campaign on 2nd July. He said "I am pleased to lend our support to initiatives which have similar aims and objectives to my departments campaign such as the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association (BLRA) Wheelwatch campaign.

Other activity in 1999 includes research into hard core drink drive offenders. A pilot study is underway to find out more about this group of drivers and what would stop them from drinking and driving. Additionally an internet page has been launched giving information about drinking and driving to schools. This can be accessed from the BLRA home page www.blra.co.uk.

For further information or copies of the Good Practice Guide contact Janet Witheridge at the BLRA 42, Portman Square London W1H0BB.