GUNNEDAH revellers will be able to get a cheap lift home from the pub as the town's liquor accord looks to stem drink driving incidents.
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The state government announced on Monday the Gunnedah liquor had secured a $7400 grant to help locals get home safely on Friday and Saturday nights.
In the coming months, Gunnedah's pubs and clubs, and the Commercial Hotel, Curlewis will offer coupons for subsidised taxi fares to encourage locals to leave the car at home if they're out for the night.
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The coupons will provide a late night transport option for local residents in licensed venues on Friday and Saturday nights between 10.30pm and 2.30am for a year.
"A taxi will be run by the venue and the coupon issued to subsidise the taxi fare with the aim of reducing the incidents of drink driving," local accord chairman and publican Greg Thomas said.
"The incidents of drink driving is an issue and that came directly from the police at our February accord meeting.
"The incidents of drink driving have increased."
Mr Thomas said the timing of the grant couldn't be better after tougher drink-driving laws were introduced on May 20.
"I believe - and I believe it's the consensus from everyone - that [the new laws] have affected us," he said.
Liquor and Gaming NSW executive director Natasha Mann welcomed the announcement.
"Alcohol related violence and accidents continue to cause harm in NSW," she said. "I congratulate the Gunnedah and District Liquor Accord on their successful application for funding and for continually working hard to address alcohol related issues in the region.
The government committed $100,000 to the liquor accords grants program - 10 applicants across the state were successful in their applications for grants up to $15,000.
Tamworth also applied for funding to roll-out the "ask for Angela" and designated driver campaigns in its pubs and clubs. It appears the Tamworth accord was unsuccessful.