Arizona bars offer free chauffeur service

US bar and restaurant owners in the state of Arizona have launched a complimentary chauffeur driven limo service as part of a new incentive to get customers back in their establishments. The move has been welcomed by safety groups who praised the responsible action taken by publicans to deter drinkers from getting behind the wheel after one too many.

After stricter laws and tougher penalties for those caught driving over the limit were introduced, bar and restaurant owners noted a distinct drop in the number of customers ordering alcohol. Add the dire economic climate into the mix and the result was many establishments struggling to stay afloat.

Restaurant and bar owners joined forces with a selection of chauffeur hire companies in Arizona with a view to offering customers a safe and hassle free solution for getting home after a night out. Now customers can be taken to their restaurant or pub of choice and chauffeured home in the back of a party bus, Mercedes limo or a Lincoln Town Car.

So far the plan seems to be working. The scheme is encouraging customers back through the restaurant doors and at the same time, helping to crack down on drunk drivers. Both the limo hire companies and the restaurants and bars are benefitting from the programme with increased business. The establishments pay a nominal fee to the chauffeur service for every trip undertaken, a price they are willing to pay as the costs will be recouped from the money the chauffeured customers will undoubtedly spend having a good time.

Bar owner Jesse Latshaw said that the scheme has so far been “incredibly successful” and is helping to get businesses back on their feet.