MAYO COUNTY, Ireland, Dec. 10 (UPI) — Nightclubs in an Irish county are attempting to prevent guests from participating in shouting and other disruptive behavior by handing out free lollipops at the end of the night.
The lollipops, which feature a sticker reading “Get home safely” will be distributed at Mayo County nightclubs in hopes that patrons will be unable to shout or otherwise cause a ruckus with the sugary treat in their mouths.
Mayo County Council road safety officer Noel Gibbons said that the “sucker punch” tactic was inspired by similar efforts in the UK and Canada.
“In other countries police noticed an immediate decrease in rowdy activity and an increase in calming energy and awareness created around the message on the lollipop,” he told Breaking News Ireland. “Like giving candy to a grumpy baby, lollipops are said to have a similar effect on grown men and women. Moreover, arguments fueled by drunken bravado and macho attitudes often escalate following verbal exchanges.”
While Gibbons hope the lollipops themselves can prevent verbal and physical altercations, the message displayed on the wrappers is meant to handle the separate problem of pedestrian safety.
He said he hopes the message can “start a conversation” about the number of pedestrians that have been killed by drunk drivers in the area.
He also told the BBC that at two cents a piece the campaign was “very cheap” overall.
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