Wednesday,September 10, 2003

Local restaurants act responsibly, provide rides home for drinkers

This letter is in response to Kathie Cheney of Peachtree City, who wrote asking about the level of responsibility exhibited by local restaurants. She suggested "the level of responsibility already shown by their actions should determine your decision" on Tyrone's liquor-by-the-drink ruling.

I would challenge Ms. Cheney to submit the research which causes her to conclude area restaurants are disinterested in the welfare of their customers. There's really never a reason to drink and drive because Peachtree City is home to 24-hour taxi service. At times, this company is supplemented by the services of another regional cab company whose presence is often noted at a variety of Peachtree City establishments.

Not only are these transportation options available to help keep unsafe drivers off our roads, a number of restaurants post visible notices to this effect. At times, the proprietor of one of these companies is so assertive as to visit bars when full, and make contact with as many patrons as possible to be sure customers are aware of the available service.

Operations such as Chili's, LongHorn Steakhouse, Hangar 74, Y-Knot, and Ruby Tuesday's are just a few of your local restaurants with suggestions posted, and with staff willing and ready to call for any customer who desires.

Additionally, on New Year's Eve 2002, Peachtree City's 24-hour taxi company partnered with Hangar 74 to provide every customer a ride home at no charge if requested. Is this not responsible?

Finally, with all due respect to The Citizen, on New Year's Eve 2001, this same company submitted a press release to all local media, citing the quantity of intoxicated drivers it helped keep off our roads. Unfortunately, this press release was never published, depriving readers of this very positive information.

The real issue here is personal responsibility, thoughtful citizenship, and simple planning. It is not difficult for any gainfully employed and otherwise responsible adult to budget a little of their fun money as insurance for the safety of themselves and others later in their evening.

M. Maxiane Moody

Peachtree City, Ga.