Note: This story is a reissue of a piece originally reported in April 2018.
A bar in Nebraska has introduced a unique incentive to encourage safe driving among its patrons.
The Union Bar and Grill in Gering places a letter on the windshields of vehicles left in their lot overnight after their drivers have enjoyed a few drinks. This letter entitles the owner to a free burger and fries. The establishment has been running this initiative for several years.
When a woman whose husband received such a letter shared it on Facebook, the post quickly went viral, amassing over 24,000 likes and more than 53,000 shares. Janelle Martin said she highlighted the letter to showcase the bar’s efforts in promoting safety.
Scott Swanson, who co-owns the bar with his wife Carla, mentioned that they have received numerous appreciative messages from across the country following Martin’s post. Many of these messages came from individuals who had lost someone due to drunk driving. Swanson remarked, “It’s a $7 burger, and if it keeps someone out of jail or prevents an accident, it’s absolutely worth it.”
The idea for the initiative came from Carla Swanson, inspired by a similar concept she saw online. Scott Swanson explained that they typically place the letters on cars during weekend mornings, when eight to ten vehicles are left in the parking lot. This isn’t done every weekend, but he hopes other bars will consider adopting this approach.
The letter reads: “Dear Union Bar and Grill Guest, Thank you for leaving your car parked overnight. Whether or not you consumed alcohol at our establishment, we appreciate your decision to avoid drinking and driving. Present this letter at the bar to receive a complimentary hamburger and fries. We hope you see this as a token of our gratitude for your responsible behavior. Have a wonderful day.”
Swanson noted that every patron who receives the letter takes advantage of the free food offer.
Source: Omaha World-Herald
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