Jefferson City bar-goers receive free sober ride

Thanksgiving Eve is “Blackout Wednesday,” according to social media.

This disturbingly-creative title was given to this day because it is said to be the biggest bar night of the year.

According to law enforcement, it is also one of the biggest nights for impaired driving.

Jefferson City bars have extra staff on duty tonight to deal with the crowds, but they also have another public safety tool.

They have sober ride vouchers that give a free cab ride home to anyone too intoxicated to drive. Fetchel Beverage has partnered with the Jefferson City Police Department to provide these vouchers to local bars.

All of the bars in downtown Jefferson City have them, which allows bar workers to call a cab and get any intoxicated customers home for free.

“It’s so people can get home safely. We don’t need drunk drivers. That’s not good for anybody,” said J. Pfenny’s Sports Grill & Pub manager Jordan Pfenenger.

Each voucher gives the intoxicated individual up to a $10 ride for free. Anything more than that, they do have to pay.

Jefferson City Checker Cab manager Michael Olive says the $10 should be enough to get them home anywhere in town.

“Our average ride for our cabs is about $7,” said Olive.

Olive will have all 12 of his drivers on duty and driving tonight.

Those using the sober driver program will be driven straight home. No pit stops are allowed to get more alcohol.

Checker Cab Company can also be reached at (573) 636-7101.