A safe way home: A pub displaying a buddy driver option for those who have had one too many drinks. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: With stricter law enforcement on driving under the influence (DUI), night owls are thinking outside the box to steer clear of breaking the law.
Other than using taxi and ehailing services, some are now even turning to tow trucks to get them home safely – along with their wheels.
Tow truck operator Chan Kok Hoe, 45, said he had received some calls seeking such services.
“Sometimes, the calls come from the drunk person himself. Most of the time, it’s from their friends seeking help.
“The service costs between RM120 and RM180, depending on the location. The best part is, we send the cars back home too, with the driver seated inside our truck.
“With us around, you don’t have to drink and drive,” he added.
Ehailing driver Abdul Ridzwan Abu Haniffa, 28, said he had been enjoying good business by stationing himself along Chulia Street or Upper Penang Road where there were pubs and lounges aplenty.
“My customers are mostly those who don’t want to drive after a late night out at entertainment spots.
“If they vomit in my car, they will be charged an additional RM180 cleaning fee,” said the full-time driver who usually operates from 10pm to 6am.
Macalister Mansion senior marketing communications manager Annie Wong said the hotel would help guests book taxi or ehailing rides upon request.
She said there were guests who preferred to leave their cars after drinking at the hotel’s restaurant and pub. “This usually happens over the weekend.”
A lounge manager, who wanted to be known only as Simpson, said he would remind his customers not to drink too much if they were driving.
Another ehailing driver, Huzaidi Mat Rashid ,46, said some pub managers would ask for his help to send intoxicated passengers home.
“But I won’t take up the bookings. Instead, I’ll recommend them other drivers or politely ask the passengers to book other drivers via their ehailing app,” he said.
