Cindy Morgan, manager of Carbondale’s Pinch Penny Pub, wanted to create a non-alcoholic drink for the holidays that was different than any other.

With a little ice cream, whipped cream, half and half and a few candy canes, Morgan created the Polar Whip and won first place in the Third Annual Holiday Safety Challenge Non-alcoholic Drink Recipe Contest.

Twenty alcohol-selling businesses throughout Jackson County competed in the challenge, sponsored in part by Jackson County Health Department, along with several other area businesses, during December.

Advertisement

During the challenge, participating businesses are given points for activities designed to decrease impaired driving.

Pinch Penny Pub, 700 E. Grand, winner of the challenge’s first place award, provided training to employees and promoted safety messages throughout their establishment as well as with local radio stations.

Morgan said her establishment also encouraged non-alcoholic drink choices by providing specials, free samples and prizes. The list of prizes included a Las Vegas trip that could only be won by customers purchasing non-alcoholic drinks.

Morgan said to help promote responsible drinking, Pinch Penny offered free limousine service to customers who were too impaired to drive on New Year’s Eve.

Many people took advantage of that, Morgan said.

She said the pub also has safety services for customers throughout the year. She said her business, in conjunction with Davis Towing, offers a free ride home to impaired drivers two weekends each month.

All year round we do what we can to promote safe drinking with our customers, Morgan said.

Advertisement*

Angie Will, local alcohol project coordinator at the Jackson County Health Department, said Pinch Penny was very creative with its programming during the Holiday Safety Challenge.

Pinch Penny Pub also worked in cooperation with the Carbondale Police Department in educating patrons in the use of a portable breathalyzer, Will said.

Miriam Link-Mullison, director of Health Education at the Jackson County Health Department, said the Holiday Safety Challenge has given attention to the efforts of businesses who serve alcohol responsibly.

Now in its third year, the Holiday Safety Challenge is making an impact, Link-Mullison said. More businesses are actively participating, and many of these businesses continue these activities throughout the year.

A copy of the Holiday Safety Challenge drink recipes is available by contacting Angie Will at the Jackson County Health Department.