SALT LAKE CITY (December 12, 2018) -- A broad coalition including restaurants, tourism, hospitality, media, transportation, local government and law enforcement, is encouraging Utahns to enjoy Utah responsibly this holiday season and beyond as state laws regarding safe driving go into effect just before the new year.

The Enjoy Utah Responsibly coalition will launch a broad awareness campaign with billboards, banners, radio commercials and other messaging encouraging Utahns to enjoy Utah nightlife and holiday parties, while also making smart transportation choices to make sure they can celebrate and make it home safely.

“The holiday season comes with more time spent celebrating with family, friends and colleagues,” said Jeremy Neigher, Utah Market Manager for Lyft. “We want to encourage everyone to go out and enjoy Utah, but to also plan for a reliable ride home. That’s why, as part of this coalition, we are proud to offer discounted rides to riders across the state and encouraging them to Enjoy Utah Responsibly.”

As part of its larger Ride Smart initiative, Lyft will offer both new and existing riders $5 off one ride with the promo code ENJOYUT   distributed by restaurants and bars across the state.

“We are excited to partner with Enjoy Utah Responsibly to help get the word out on the many ways there are to enjoy Salt Lake’s incredible urban offerings, from our award-winning breweries and distilleries to our eclectic and booming dining and nightlife scene to our varied cultural arts, and everything in between,” said Scott Beck, president & CEO of Visit Salt Lake. “We have the ability, resources and channels to disseminate this critical and helpful information to our visitors prior to their arrival in Salt Lake, whether they’re coming for a meeting, convention or simply to enjoy all that Utah’s capital city and nearby environs have to offer.”   

Law enforcement partners include the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Salt Lake City Police Department. Both are encouraging Utahns to plan ahead to ensure they can get home safely.

“At this time of year, we want to encourage everyone to come downtown and enjoy all the wonderful festivities,” said Chief Mike Brown, Salt Lake City Police Department. “However, we want to remind everyone to drink responsibly so that we can all have a safe and fun holiday season.”

“Utah has so many wonderful restaurants that provide a great dining experience and we want people to know they can come and have a wonderful night out,” said Melva Sine, president and CEO of the Utah Restaurant Association. “We are proud to partner with such a broad group to make it even more convenient for our guests to return home safely.”

"Enjoying downtown Salt Lake City during the holidays should always be done responsibly,” said Dee Brewer, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. “Fortunately, getting to and from your destinations has never been easier thanks to public transit options and ride sharing."

The Enjoy Utah Responsibly coalition launched its campaign Wednesday, December 12, at a press event followed by various elements of the campaign appearing across the state that week.

Enjoy Utah Responsibly Coalition Members include:

● Broadway Media

● Budweiser

● Downtown Alliance

● Lyft

● Reagan Outdoor Advertising

● Salt Lake City Corp.

● Salt Lake City Police Department

● Utah Department of Public Safety

● Utah Restaurant Association

● Utah Transit Authority (UTA)

● Visit Salt Lake

● Zero Fatalities

For more information, visit EnjoyUtahResponsibly.com.