Letters

Cheers, Oct, 2005 by Marc Weinberg

TO THE EDITOR:

I read with great interest your "Modest Proposal" in the July/August Cheers. It makes a lot of sense. But there's an even better solution. Here in New Jersey, the Licensed Beverage Association has implemented a practical version of your proposal. We have successfully extended a unique, tavern-oriented form of public transportation to suburban areas not served by trains and buses.

BADD (Bars Against Drunk Driving) is a program initiated by NJLBA, and sponsored by member taverns in five counties so far throughout New Jersey. Participating taverns, clubs and restaurants pay dues of $50 per month in order to offer professional, low cost round trip transportation between patrons' homes and the operations. The fee covers not only the calling patrons but any guests that accompany them. The patron phones directly to arrange, round trip transportation via a professionally chauffeured van, town car or limousine to any participating tavern. Pickup and return hours are flexible.

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NJLBA president Jim Hill owns the Knotty Pine Pub in Wharton, NJ. He founded a similar program (Colleges Against Drunk Driving) serving colleges in Northern NJ in 2004. In 2005, Jim completed arrangements with Chauffeur Service Syn3, and began offering BADD transportation to patrons of member taverns in Morris County. The program has since expanded to four other counties, and is growing rapidly. It has safely served more than 700 patrons and is just getting started. It's a win-win program that is increasing members' business, while ensuring that their patrons do not risk driving while even slightly intoxicated.

Hill and association manager Lou Rothbart have made NJLBA a national leader in promoting responsible service through innovative programs like BADD. I myself am senior partner for Bevinco Bar Profit Boosters, an international franchised company that employs computerized inventory and revenue control, drink recipe development and bartender training to ensure that spirits are served consistently and that revenues collected are registered and included in the cash drawer. By limiting some bartenders' inclination to over pour and "buyback" excessively, we help our bar clients ensure that their employees are serving patrons in a responsible manner, while increasing bar profits on average more than 10%.

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the Union. Yet, well over 90% of the state is not practically served by conventional public transportation. BADD offers a practical and affordable solution that can be implemented immediately. You can contact NJLBA@aol.com, or by calling 609-394-6730, or call me with any questions at 973-691-1902.

MARC WEINBERG

SENIOR PARTNER

BEVINCO BAR PROFIT BOOSTERS

BARBEVINCO@AOL.COM