A popular police scheme for designated drivers has returned in time for the festive party season.
More than a hundred licence premises across South Wales are offering free or discounted soft drinks to those who abstain from alcohol to take to the wheel on a night out.
It's the fourth year of the South Wales Police DES initative, which began as a pilot in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and aims to promote responsible drinking with road safety in mind.
Throughout the Christmas period until the start of January, customers who make themselves known to bar staff as the designated driver can get a wristband allowing to get free or discounted draught soft drinks or squash.
A South Wales Police spokesperson added: "Whether this offer lasts all night, or for a stipulated amount of drinks, is determined by each individual licensed premises, as they are the ones covering the costs. South Wales Police provides posters and wristbands to advertise the scheme."
"We know it can sometimes be a burden being the designated driver but we hope this scheme will encourage more people to be aware of the very serious consequences of drink driving and the importance of being safe on the roads."
Eight licenced premises in the Vale have signed up to the scheme, along with three in the Cardiff Bay area. They include:
- The Mount Rooms Hotel, Porthkerry Road, Barry
- Park Hotel, Park Crescent, Barry
- The Buck, Holton Road, Barry
- The Golden Lion, Glebe Street, Penarth
- The Bear's Head, Windsor Road, Penarth
- One Town Hall Square, Cowbridge
- The Cross Inn, Church Road, Cowbridge
- Three Horseshoes, Station Road, Dinas Powys
- Full Fat Social, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
- Portland House, Bute Street, Cardiff Bay
- The Dock, Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay
Any premises interested in joining the DES scheme can contact their local licensing team.

Three CoastSnap stations set to be installed along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Daffodil Runner statue installed at Marie Curie Hospice in Penarth
Woman Dies After Incident in Leckwith as Police Investigation Continues
Vale entrepreneur wins national Innovate UK award for sustainable construction technology
Cardiff Airport retains top accessibility rating as regulator reports record demand for assistance
Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member
Council to review use of GP letters as evidence for disability claims
Plans have been put in place to redevelop a complex with more than 20 flats
Vale Council Reaccredited Under White Ribbon Scheme as Part of Ongoing Work to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls
Two Vale Restaurants Among Those Set to Close as Whitbread Shuts Brewers Fayre and Beefeater Chains
Vale Council Issues Safety Warning After Gas Canisters Found in Household Recycling
Cogan Primary School Praised for its Inclusive Culture and Strong Leadership in Estyn Inspection