A new drive-thru pop-up bar on William Nicol Drive has opened for the public.

The concept is set up by One On Nicol and invites road users to stop by the side of the road and have a few drinks at their island style bar.

This, however, was a campaign to promote awareness around the dangers of drinking and driving. There was no drive-thru bar.

Widespread social media criticism for a drive-thru bar on William Nicol helped raise publicity for a campaign to stop drivers from drinking and driving.
The One on Nicol drive-thru bar was widely criticised for encouraging people to drink and drive.

However, on 12 December it was announced that the concept of the ‘bar’ was to raise awareness about South Africans’ perceptions of drinking and to encourage people to not drink and drive, even if they have had only one drink.

The campaign, created by the Association for Alcohol Responsibility (Aware.org) and Education and the Road Traffic Management Corporation, aims to create a wider conversation about the drinking habits of South Africans and what many consider be an acceptable amount to drink before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Ingrid Louw from Aware. Org said, “‘We need to shift our drinking attitudes and we need to shift the norms we have about drinking and driving.”

Macfarlane Moleli, the emcee for the event, said that in the days leading up to the event many had expressed their outrage about the drive-thru bar, however, there were still many who were intrigued and interested in trying it. He added that this reaction highlights how important it is to create a campaign which makes people re-evaluate their attitude toward drinking and driving.

The real reason for the One on Nicol bar is to create a stir and make people realise that even one drink is too much #OneOnNicol #DriveThruBar @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/8gF9e2J2mT

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) December 12, 2018

This bar is trying to get people to think about drinking and driving. It's about sharing the message that drinking and driving is still a huge cause of deaths on roads and previous campaigns haven't worked #OneOnNicol #DriveThruBar @Sandton_News

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) December 12, 2018

In the spoof video posted, Jason Le Grange from One On Nicol said the idea was ‘inspired after he took a trip a Tokyo and saw a vending machine that dispenses alcohol.

The One on Nicol bar is ready to open, looks like they'll be serving cocktails, beers and wine at the the drive thru. What are your thoughts on a drive thru bar? #OneOnNicol #DriveThruBar @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/8Mvgk79lmX

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) December 12, 2018

He said as people come over a crest on William Nicol Drive and can pull into the drive-through bar where they will serve you two, three maybe four drinks.

There are some JMPD vehicles on William Nicol to monitor the bar #OneOnNicol #DriveThruBar @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/kfzQIFColX

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) December 12, 2018

Many people took to Twitter this morning with either praise or dismay about the concept.

A controversial drive thru bar is opening today on the side of William Nicol Drive. Many people on social media have lashed out at the concept saying it encourages drinking and driving @Sandton_News #OneOnNicol #DriveThruBar

— Laura Pisanello (@LauraPisanello) December 12, 2018

Will you be joining us later #OneOnNicol #OneForTheRoad https://t.co/U6aKlLwfs9

— NoneOnNicol (@on_nicol) December 12, 2018

It's a vibe, traffic on William Nicol is receiving Jozi's first ever Drive-thru bar well🙏#OneOnNicol #OneForTheRoad @EWNTraffic @Powerfm987 @RobBurn pic.twitter.com/hzz45zjf00

— NoneOnNicol (@on_nicol) December 12, 2018

Will you stop by for a drink? Share your experience with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page