Practicing responsible drinking is an issue that can’t be ignored especially when you are in the alcohol business. It’s often easier said than done. If you have ever heard Eric Gregory, President of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association speak you’ll often (if not always) hear this Q and A.
Question: “How do Kentuckians enjoy their Bourbon?”
Answer: “Responsibly.”
This statement holds true for all the nearly 1 million visitors on the trail that come from all 50 states and multiple countries as well.
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The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has safe ride partnerships with Lyft as well as Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour providers like Mint Julep Tours, R & R Limo and Central Kentucky Tours. Keeping tour visitor’s safe is of utmost importance.
In March 2017, the KDA and Lyft announced an expansion to Lyft’s on-demand ride service to Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities so people could use the app to order a ride in minutes. However, wait times can be high as drivers from the Louisville and Lexington areas may travel for 30 plus minutes to service the requests.
Recruiting for Lyft More Drivers
The KDA and Lyft are hosting breakfast sessions in Bardstown and Versailles this month to educate and recruit safe ride drivers in local Kentucky Bourbon Trail communities.
Heaven Hill Distillery and Woodford Reserve Distillery are hosting breakfast sessions so local drivers can learn more about Lyft and how to earn money – potentially up to $35 an hour, said Ali Edelstein, KDA’s Director of Social Responsibility.
“Woodford Reserve is pleased to partner with Lyft and the KDA as they seek more drivers to provide safe rides to and from our distillery,” said Catherine Delaney, Visitor Experience Manager. “Reducing wait times for on-demand ride services on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is an important part of our commitment to promote responsible drinking.”
“Safety of our visitors and the surrounding communities are a top priority as we expand opportunities to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour,” said Jeff Crowe, Heaven Hill General Manager of Visitor Experiences. “A partnership with Lyft ensures safe ride options for all visitors to enjoy their experience responsibly.”
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“Lyft operates in more than 300 cities,” said Chris Kaltreider, the operations specialist at Lyft who helped establish the partnership. “Expanding its presence in Kentucky offers out-of-town guests a safe ride option they may already know.”
Is Being a Lyft Driver in Your Future?
Lyft Ambassadors and KDA representatives will be on-hand to discuss the opportunity at Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles on Monday, July 24, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown on Thursday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Guests will receive free breakfast, distillery tour vouchers and chances to win rewards from Lyft.
Participants must be at least 21 years old to attend. Seats are limited, so RSVPs are required by emailing Edelstein at ali@kybourbon.com. Interested drivers can apply online at the Lyft website here and may be eligible for a $350 bonus.
“The KDA is proud to work with these responsible companies and the Kentucky’s Office of Highway Safety to combat impaired driving,” said Eric Gregory. “Visitors have too many good safe-ride choices not to make the right one.”
Have a Safe Travel Plan
This recent Twitter post is only funny because we know it came from our friends at Mint Julep Tours so we know these four Dr. Suess fans have a safe ride home.
Would you, could you, on a bus? Would you, could you, drink with us? #drseuss pic.twitter.com/OgI5goSAC9
— Mint Julep Tours (@MintJulepTours) July 7, 2017
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