Press Release

Mayor Launches Just Add Water Campaign

Monday 17th December

The Mayor, Alderman Drew Thompson today commended three local restaurants for their support in introducing a new pilot scheme in conjunction with the Civic Alcohol Forum that seeks to promote a more sensible consumption of alcohol.

Mayor Drew Thompson and Mayoress Linda Watson pictured at the launch of a new pilot scheme "Just Add Water" by three local restaurants, in conjunction with the Civic Alcohol Forum to promote a more sensible consumption of alcohol. Standing, from left, are Hazel Buchanan, Da Vincis Hotel, Eamon O'Kane, Healthy Cities, Dennis Lynch, Dan's Restaurant, Claudy, Eamon Toner, Environmental Health, Nikki and Darragh Cartmill, Spice Restaurant.

Over the next two months The “Just Add Water” initiative will be operating in Da Vincis (Culmore Rd), Spice (Spencer Rd) and Dan’s Bar (Claudy). The scheme is based on a model developed in Gottland, Sweden that shows both health and social benefits to customers of consuming of water alongside their normal alcohol intake.

Commenting on the scheme, the Mayor Alderman Drew Thompson said;

“I am delighted that these restaurants have agreed to help the Civic Alcohol Forum in piloting this scheme. As a Council we continue to pursue a more responsible attitude to alcohol in our society and through schemes like this facilitated by the Civic Alcohol Forum we intend to maintain a raised awareness of the need for a more sensible alcohol consumption.”

The “Just Add Water” scheme very simply places jugs of water on any table at which alcohol is ordered in the restaurant. Patrons will be encouraged to consume this water in addition to the alcohol they are drinking. Drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink consumed can help to ensure that patrons keep a clear head; remain more in control during the evening; stick to the recommended daily allowance of alcohol and don’t wake up tomorrow with any unwanted ill feelings the following day.

Commenting on his agreement to participate in the scheme, Dennis Lynch of Dan’s Restaurant in Claudy, said:

“As licensees we are often concerned at the perception that our industry is unwilling to take a pro-active role in ensuring a more sensible approach to alcohol. We believe that this scheme can only add to our patron’s enjoyment of a night out and will help to reduce their possible experience of adverse effects associated with alcohol.”

The “Just Add Water” scheme has been funded by the Western Drug & Alcohol Co-ordination and will remain in place until February next year initially. Patrons to these restaurants will be given the opportunity in that period to partake and comment on the scheme that is being independently evaluated.

Anyone wishing to get more information on the scheme can contact Derry Healthy Cities on (028) 7161 1384.

Notes to Editor:

The scheme will be officially launched this afternoon, Tuesday, 18 December, at 2.30pm at Dan’s Restaurant in Claudy.

Ends

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