A HANDFUL of people have already pitched up at a country pub near Upton to beat drink-driving in a novel way.

The Drum and Monkey in Newbridge Green has set up four large tents in its beer garden – dubbed the Drunk Tank – to offer drinkers somewhere free to spend the night to avoid being over the drink-drive limit. Landlady Lizzie Jennings came up with the idea when talking about how to discourage customers from driving while over the limit with regular Daniel Walton, who runs camping manufacturer Olpro, based in Little Witley.

She said two people stayed on Tuesday, December 3, and a further three spent a night under the canvas on Friday, December 6.

“They said they were really cosy and it was lovely and warm in the tents – one guy said it was the best night’s sleep.

“I think they were quite surprised how warm and comfortable it was.

She said the numbers showed people were “either being sensible and have made their own arrangements or just the idea of staying in a tent is so abhorrent they have had a designated driver.”

Inside the tents, provided by Mr Walton’s company, are mattresses, nightlights and a toilet tent had been set up and there is space for 19 people.

Customers are also being offered a mug of tea and a bacon sandwich in the morning and the scheme is set to run until New Year’s Day.

The pub had been closed for some time before reopening eight months ago.