Proact hosts campaign for sensible drinking launch

Local pubs are being urged to support a campaign to promote sensible drinking, which was launched at the Proact Stadium.

Yvonne Henchliffe, whose son Christopher passed away after a drink-related incident in Chesterfield town centre last year, came up with the initiative called ‘Stay Cute & Dilute – One Punch Kill’.

Yvonne is encouraging all pubs in Chesterfield to support her campaign by serving soft drinks at half price on November 11.

“We’re asking all pubs in Chesterfield to sign up and on that date, serve half-price soft drinks and make their own mocktail,” said Yvonne.

“I’m determined to make a change. There was nothing out there when Chris first died so I decided to start my own campaign.”

The initiative also has the support of Derbyshire Constabulary and Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins, who said:-

“A year ago, Christopher Henchliffe was tragically killed by a single punch after a late-night incident in Chesterfield. His mum Yvonne has run a really positive campaign, trying to encourage more people to take soft drinks, which I think is a great idea.”

Representatives from Neurocare, the Royal British Legion and Ability all attended the launch event at the Proact. Also supporting the campaign are The Blue Bell Inn in North Wingfield, The Britannia at Brampton and The Olde House in Newbold.

Sarah Spencer from The Britannia said:-

“We do a lot in the pub to make sure people stay within reasonable limits.

“I think our customers would embrace the mocktail and they’ve already started thinking of ideas and names that they can come up with.”

Julie Wood of The Olde House commented:-

“It’s about trying to discourage people from throwing alcohol down their necks and actually just taking their time to drink sensibly.

“We always have facilities where they can help themselves to water so they don’t have to go to the bar. I don’t want them to have to think they’ve got to go and queue.”