As the festive spirit of Christmas and New Year envelops Kolkata, the city's vibrant hospitality sector is taking a firm stand against a dangerous tradition: drunk driving. Restaurants and bars across the metro have initiated a widespread campaign aimed at restraining their 'spirited' patrons from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
Proactive Measures by Restaurants and Associations
The campaign involves a multi-pronged approach. Establishments are putting up posters on their premises and circulating messages on platforms like WhatsApp, urging customers not to drive if they have consumed more than the permissible limit. More importantly, staff members are being specially trained to identify guests who may have had 'a peg too many'. Their role is to counsel these patrons against ordering more alcohol and, crucially, to ensure they do not drive.
Several restaurants have lined up employees who will assist customers in hailing an app-based cab or finding a driver online if they are not in a condition to drive themselves. This initiative is seeing participation from individual eateries as well as industry bodies.
Chapter 2 Leads with 'Safe Night' Initiative
Pioneering this effort is Chapter 2, a retro-dining restaurant located off Southern Avenue. The restaurant has launched its 'Safe Night' campaign through posters and online messages. Shiladitya Chaudhury, owner and co-founder of Chapter 2, emphasized the need for such reminders during the celebratory season.
"We had a similar campaign last year and this year, too, we started it," Chaudhury said. "It's that time of year when people love to put their hair down with family and friends, go out for dinner and drinks. Some tend to have a peg too many, which could turn out to be embarrassing if they are intercepted at a checkpoint. So, we will keep reminding patrons."
The posters being circulated carry hard-hitting messages. One states, "Steering & Alcohol Doesn't Come Hand in Hand," while another shows a hand texting with the other on the wheel, warning "Words Can Wait, Life Comes First." A third poster depicts a car hitting a giant bottle with the clear directive: "Don't Drink & Drive."
Industry-Wide Vigilance Ahead of Peak Week
The campaign comes at a time when restaurants are witnessing a significant surge in footfalls, which is expected to explode during the final week of December. Sudesh Poddar, president of the Hotel and Restaurants' Association of Eastern India (HRAEI), confirmed the trend.
"There was a 10%-15% rise in footfalls this Diwali compared to the pre-Diwali period," Poddar noted. "This puja was by far the most crowded in recent memory. So, we expect an explosion this Christmas and New Year week. The footfalls started rising last weekend, and we are ready to step in to check drink driving."
Poddar, who also owns Songhai, Manthan, and MS Bar & Lounge, detailed the association's plan. Staff have been instructed to monitor guests who have consumed more than three pegs and ensure they do not drive. A dedicated team will screen patrons and monitor CCTV footage. Restaurants will refuse to serve more alcohol to those who appear inebriated and will proactively help them book a cab or find a driver via apps.
The popular Park Street area has already felt the festive rush. Pratap Daryanani, owner of Oasis, reported a significant surge in customers last weekend, partly due to a Messi event. "We are keeping an eye on those who tend to overdrink," Daryanani said. "We will help our guests get app cabs in case they are not in a position to drive, though most are now aware."
This collective effort by Kolkata's F&B industry highlights a growing sense of social responsibility, aiming to ensure that the season's celebrations are remembered for joy, not tragedy.
