As 2010 draws to a close, David Schembri took to the streets of Valletta to see what people will be doing tonight to usher in the New Year and to gauge whether the recent police clampdown on drink-driving will have any impact on bad habits.
Clint Shead, 27, of Sta Luċija
I will be staying home because of my young children but we plan to invite some guests over. We won’t be following some particular programme on television as we’ll have some music on, but we’ll try to have a countdown. It’s a good thing that police are clamping down on drink-driving. It’s true that in these times people drink, but they shouldn’t be driving if they do so.
Hollie Cassar, 22, of Qawra
I live in London, so I’ll probably be at some house party in South London. I don’t drive or drink, so it doesn’t affect me. Abroad it’s so much stricter, no one takes a single drink, and it’s a good thing they’re stopping people. I was once in a car with someone who was completely drunk and it’s the scariest thing ever.
Charmaine Cordina, 27, of Rabat
I’ll be going for a meal with friends in a wine bar. I am a bit worried about these clampdowns but I believe everyone should be careful. I won’t be drinking this year; I’ll be good.
Annabel Zammit, 21, of Mosta
I will be going to Lights Out, a party at Gianpula as that’s where my friends will all be. The clampdown worries me, however I won’t be driving and I’ll be taking a van back home with my friends on the night.
Melanie Debono, 19, of Naxxar
I will be going to the Valletta NYE celebrations they’re advertising, it should make a nice change from staying home. I don’t drive but I think they should enforce the law. It’s not fair if someone who is drink-driving kills someone innocent.
Stefan Diacono, 33, of Iklin
I will be going to a private party but I won’t be drinking much as I will be driving afterwards. Over the years, my friends and I had often considered having a designated driver who would not drink, however it was only this year, following the clampdowns, that we have actually done something about it. Now we’re taking it in turns not to drink.
Matthew Borg Cardona, 35, of Balzan
I’ll be going to a private party where there will be food and lots of drink. However, I won’t be driving; my friend, who is not drinking, will.
Jacques Sciberras, 35, of Valletta
I live next to St George’s Square, so I’ll probably be at the party in Valletta. I don’t drink and drive but I don’t think the breathalyser test is an effective deterrent – I never heard someone telling me they were caught.
Eric and Ruth Cilia, 44, of Żebbuġ
We’re gathering at my mother’s with my family for New Year’s Eve.
Eric: I am only worried about my children when they go to Paceville but they get minibuses, so it puts my mind at rest. Also, whenever I can avoid driving I’ll do that.
Mario and Helen Cremona, 51, and Martina Cremona, 14, of Birkirkara
Mario: I’ll be working, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to go out this time.
Martina: I wish to come to Valletta because of the music. January 1 also happens to be my friend’s birthday, so hopefully we’ll be there counting down with her.
Helen: We happen not to be regular drinkers – we have a drink or two on special occasions, so we’re not worried about this clampdown. We agree with it, as prevention is better than cure.