Proving you don’t need to be drunk to have a good a time, the Night Owl is the first in what many hope is a long line of Toronto bars to offer designated drivers free beverages. The official announcement was made via the bar’s Facebook page, an account that has more than 6,000 likes.
“We shouldn’t have to profit off of your decision to be responsible. Thank you for being safe,” reads the post.
The Toronto bar then posted a beverage list dubbed, “Drink Menu for Heroes,” which included a variety of Mocktails like the Shirley Temple, Woodbine Beach and the Ted Rogers to name a few. The menu also features pop and juice.
Night Owl owner Braden Rubinoff told the media that designated drivers should be rewarded for taking on the responsibility of transporting friends safely.
“People are under the impression that they need to drink to have fun,” Rubinoff told the press. “And for the people who are already making sacrifices by driving their friends around, we want them to come out and still feel like they can have a good time”
The Night Owl, which opened last summer in Little Italy, is Toronto’s most recent addition to the themed night life arena. When it opened last June, the College street bar immediately drew comparisons to Barcade and 7 West, for its arcade themed inspiration.
The trendy bar immediately gained a loyal customer base through its drink specials, all-you-can-eat food specials, large game room and weekly live entertainment. The mid-January announcement targeted at designated drivers is sure to bring in more patrons, but Rubinoff hopes the shift doesn’t just benefit his bar, he wants other bars to follow suit.
“If you’re going to be the responsible one, I feel like you shouldn’t have to wait for a drink, you shouldn’t have to pay for a drink and you should be proud that you’re doing the right thing,” said Rubinoff.
The Night Owl is located at 647 College Street.
