For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 12, 2014
In an effort to help prevent drunk driving in Montgomery County during the upcoming summer months, the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) is partnering with Brown-Forman, one of the largest American-owned spirits and wine companies and Reliable-Churchill, a Maryland distributor of wine and spirits, and a designated driver program called “Be My Designated Driver,” (BeMyDD), to encourage people to plan their night out and ensure a safe ride home.
The BeMyDD program is an affordable designated driver service offering an alternative transportation solution. The program works in three ways. An adult over the age of 21 can hire a personal driver to drive their car for the evening, or call for a pick-up service, where two drivers will pick up a patron and their car for a safe ride home. The same is offered for events. BeMyDD hires only professional and experienced drivers who dress in formal business attire. Drivers are personally interviewed, background screened and insured.
“Drunk drivers are a real threat to everyone’s safety,” said Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manager. “Services like this allow people to enjoy themselves responsibly, and keep our roadways safe. This is a step in the right direction.”
The BeMyDD program encourages adults over 21 years of age to plan out their evening. To learn more about the program and to make reservations, visit www.BeMyDD.com/MOCODLC or call 1-877-U-BEMYDD (877-823-6933). BeMyDD also offers a mobile app. Participants are offered a free annual BeMyDD membership ($25 value) when using the link provided.
Joe Giardina of Reliable-Churchill explains, “We’re proud to be a local partner with Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control. "Anything we can do to promote making positive decisions regarding alcohol, we will do.”
Additional program information will be available in the Montgomery County Liquor & Wine Stores. Additionally, store visitors can participate in monthly raffles for a $100 BeMyDD gift card. The grand prize is designated driver rides for a year -- up to 24 rides with a value of $2,000. Check the County liquor stores map for store locations.
“We encourage all adults drinking alcohol to plan out their evening,” said DLC director George Griffin. “This is a program everyone can support.”
For more information email dlc@montgomerycountymd.gov or call Emily DeTitta, Licensure and Outreach Manager at 240-777-1904.