Holiday cheer can end in holiday tears if drinking and driving is involved. It’s something that five restaurant and bar owners say they want to avoid this season.

Chris Vitiello and Tylor McNair opened Cousin Vinny’s Restaurant and Bar in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on Dec. 9, replacing the former Cranky Joe’s Roadhouse.

The family-oriented business has put a comprehensive program in place to address the holiday problems of drinking and driving, they said.

“Our primary focus is on our Italian restaurant, but we do serve alcohol. Therefore, it is important to use precautionary measures, especially during the Christmas holidays,” said Vitiello.

McNair and Vitiello say they are fully behind Operation Red Nose, a program that provides those who have had too much to drink with free rides home from volunteers. Operation Red Nose posters will be displayed prominently in their establishment, and cards with the operation’s information will be available.

Coloured bracelets will also be issued to those at the restaurant and bar, identifying the drinkers and the non-drinkers. Those wearing red bracelets will not be served alcohol.

A shuttle bus will be provided during the holiday season on Dec. 18, 19, and 26, and on New Years Eve. On that night there is a $5 cover charge at the door , which is donated to the Drive Alive charity, and covers the shuttle service cost.

“Take the shuttle for a safe and free New Year’s ride home,” Vitiello said.

Rick Williams, the new owner of the Huddle Dining Lounge in Lively, runs the Huddle Shuttle. It’s a nine-seat van, and is offered as a service to bar patrons who do not want to risk their lives — or the lives of others — after having a few drinks.

“I run a shuttle service that is licensed by the City of Greater Sudbury. It will pick you up at your door and bring you to the lounge and drive you home afterwards,” Williams said. The cost depends on the area where you live, he said, but added that it costs less than a taxi fare.

He said his staff encourage designated drivers to make themselves known so they can be sure they do not drink and can provide safe transportation home for their friends who do.

Williams noted concern about private residential parties, where people can be served too much to drink by untrained hosts.

“We have people coming here after having too many drinks at a private party, and we have to turn them away. Bar owners are highly regulated. There are heavy fines if they do not comply. Private party hosts are not regulated. What is going to be done about them?”

Ultimately people need more education about the issue of drinking and driving, Williams said.

“There still may be some people who do drink and drive. We cannot let up on them.”

The Frood Hotel on Kathleen Street has had new owners since this summer. The owner, a musician who refers to himself as Bobbio, has started a free limousine service for those who want to get home safely.

“I have a 1999 super-stretch Lincoln available anytime for those who need it,” he explained.

He also said he has had many non-alcoholic events for youths in his downstairs facility.

“Youth often have trouble finding venues for their dances and events. We offer a secured and regulated environment for them.”

Rob Ferucci, owner of Cranky Joe’s Roadhouse on Notre Dame Avenue, said there needs to be more government-sponsored education on the effects of alcohol on people.

“People do not realize that, if you have two drinks, you can blow over (the legal limit). Some beer is six per cent alcohol. Even one beer can be too many (for some).”