A Paget hotel is setting an example this year for the rest of the community by making sure their employees will not be driving while intoxicated.

Elbow Beach Hotel yesterday announced the Seahorse Sleigh Ride for employees as an alternative to driving home after the Christmas party on December 16.

The Seahorse Sleighs, a convoy of six seater taxis, will arrive at Southampton Princess -- where Elbow's Christmas party will be held -- at a designated time and begin taking people home from the party.

"As members of Bermuda's hospitality industry, Elbow Beach is aiming to set the example by providing its employees with a safe ride home after the staff Christmas party,'' said the hotel's Director of Communications Kendaree Burgess Fairn.

Reaction by the staff has been positive, she noted. Many plan to car pool to the party so that the sleigh ride can be better used afterward.

Yesterday the Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (CADAP) commended Elbow Beach for their initiative.

"Our community has too often seen times of celebration turn into times of tragedy,'' Cathy Belvedere of CADAP said.

"We commend the management of Elbow Beach Hotel for their efforts in helping to ensure their employees enjoy a safe holiday season.'' The National Drug Commission stated that it was also thrilled at the steps taken by Elbow Beach Hotel.

"The NDC is thrilled that Elbow Beach is taking steps toward harm reduction,'' said NDC Prevention Officer Calvin Ming.

NDC launched the first two phases of their Bermuda Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service programme (BRASS) at three locations in April of this year.

Once the bugs are worked out the programme will be extended to other locations.

The aim of the first two phases of BRASS is to help businesses that sell or serve alcohol to develop alcohol management policies and to help train management and staff in those policies.

The final phase of BRASS, to be launched in May of next year, will be to create public awareness about the programme.

Both CADAP and NDC stated that Elbow Beach Hotel's Seahorse Sleigh Ride will benefit the employees and encourage other businesses to do the same.

DRUGS DGS