UAE | Traffic and Transport

Revellers must behave responsibly on roads

Thousands of residents are expected to welcome 2009 at one of Dubai's many bars and restaurants.

  • By Kevin Scott, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:31 December 28, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai Thousands of residents are expected to welcome 2009 at one of Dubai's many bars and restaurants.

The city's most popular bars and nightclubs - including Barasti, Chi at the Lodge and The Irish Village - will be packed to the rafters with partygoers, but security personnel at every venue will be watching carefully to ensure nobody tries to drive home while intoxicated.

Jason Smith, Manager of the Irish Village in Garhoud, said people should take responsibility for themselves and take a taxi home if they have been drinking alcohol.

He said: "We always make an extra effort when we have a big event such as New Year's Eve at the Irish Village. We phone the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and let them know a lot of taxis will be needed; we have a taxi rank right outside the entrance to the venue. "Most people already know there is a zero tolerance approach in the UAE to driving while under the influence of alcohol. Most people at the Irish Village are drinking and the vast majority have the common sense to take a taxi home."

There is a zero tolerance approach in the UAE to drinking while under the influence of alcohol and police will be out in force across Dubai.

Vigilant

Brendan McCormack, Operations Manager at Barasti Bar, said there had been several occasions over the last few weeks when patrons had to be prevented from leaving the premises by car.

He said: "Just recently, we had one customer try and drive home while intoxicated but one of our security personnel stood in front of the car while another opened the door and removed the keys from the engine.

"Unfortunately it has become quite a regular occurrence. The valet parking attendants at the main entrance of the hotel do their best to ensure nobody drives home under the influence and we encourage everyone to leave Barasti by taxi if they have been consuming alcohol.

Greg Dufton, Events Manager at Chi at the Lodge, said New Year's Eve was no different from any weekend night in terms of monitoring drink drivers.

He said: There is a heavy police presence at the club most nights, especially at weekends. We also have several car park attendants who keep an eye out for people about to drive while under the influence.

"I actually think there is less chance of people taking their car on New Year's Eve than on an average Thursday or Friday night as most people know they are going to be consuming a lot of alcohol on the night so they tend to leave their car at home and take a taxi."

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