COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. — Drinking alcohol is one of the most popular activities people take part in for New Year’s Eve celebrations, but what often gets overlooked is finding a ride home.
Founded in 1935, the Tavern League of Wisconsin has been trying to make sure Wisconsin residents can get a safe ride home for around two decades.
Debbie Stueber is the owner of the Doubledays bar and the president of the Dane County Tavern League.
“Choosing a drink can be tough, choosing a safe ride home is a no-brainer,” Stueber said.
There are currently 2,006 SafeRide locations throughout Wisconsin. Stueber said the best part of the program is that it is free for customers.
“The cab company keeps one half and they give the other half to me and I turn it into the Tavern League,” Stueber said.
The SafeRide program has provided 1,000,000 free rides since it was established in 2004.
“It is a good incentive for bar owners to be a member of the Tavern League because it is $175 a year and that entitles them to buy the vouchers at a discount and they can therefore give their patrons a safe ride home,” said Stueber.
She said 1,000,000 is a lot of free rides, but she thinks that number could be a lot higher if more people knew about the program.
She encourages those going out to ask bartenders if they offer SafeRide options.