Mentor: Protect and Serve Tavern at Great Lakes Mall to promote responsible driving during the holidays
Dec. 8—The 27th annual Protect & Serve Tavern will take place from noon to 3 p.m., Dec. 10, at the Great Lakes Mall as local police officers and judges hand out non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to shoppers.
The event is held to remind folks to drive sober this holiday season and encourage those 21 and older to consider a fun "mocktail" drink instead of alcohol.
The Protect & Serve Tavern is presented by the Lake County Crime Prevention Taskforce, the Lake County Association of Chiefs of Police, the Lake County Safe Communities Coalition, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Great Lakes Mall.
Shoppers will also have the opportunity to participate in the "Fatal Vision" goggle demonstration, which mimics alcohol impairment to raise awareness about the dangerous results of drunk driving. Free recipes featuring tasty non-alcoholic beverages created by the Lake County police departments will be available, and there will be a raffle opportunity for two "mocktail" baskets with all the fixings to make your own non-alcoholic beverages.
Willoughby Police Chief James Schultz said the event is an important one and he hopes it becomes more well-attended.
"The goal is to remind everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season, but to please drive sober," Schultz said. "Lots of traveling will take place with friends and family. One unfortunate event can be life-changing.
"Personally, I would like to see the tavern become more popular, he added. "We met many great people last year, but there wasn't as many people as I thought who showed up. I believe it is important that the police chiefs in Lake County set the example for others to follow. That's why we're out there serving some great and fun non-alcoholic beverages for others to try."
Schultz also emphasized the importance of designated drivers or services such as Uber and Lyft, a sentiment Kirtland Police Chief Brian McCallister echoed.
"We are not asking people to not drink alcohol, but rather remember to be responsible," McCallister said. "Make the choices that are going to protect yourself and others in advance of your gatherings. Simple solutions include having a designated driver or programming transportation services into your phone in advance. You'll be glad everything is set up for Uber or similar services when it is time to go home.
"When you are on the roads and see a potentially impaired driver, please call the police so an officer can be dispatched to check on the driving, It could save a life and we all want to be home for Christmas," he added.
Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik has been involved with the event for more than a decade and it is one that allows law enforcement and local judges to interact with residents and get the message of safe driving out in person.
"I have been fortunate enough to participate in this event for the last 12 years. It is great to interact with the community especially during the holidays to reinforce non-alcoholic options for our drivers," Reik said. "It is always important for police and the judiciary to have some face-to-face non-work interactions that bring us closer to the people that we serve. I look forward to this event every year."
Residents are reminded if they happen to see an impaired driver on the road, call #667 to reach law enforcement.
The Great Lakes Mall is located at 7850 Mentor Ave., in Mentor.
