The Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention wants everyone in Bermuda to abstain from drinking next Friday. CADA believes Bermuda is the first country to initiate a ?No Alcohol Day? in the world. Anthony Santucci, chairman of CADA, said he is aware that a small town in Australia had tried the initiative, but that he is not aware of anyone else following suite.

Mr. Santucci said he hoped that the day will encourage people to think about their alcohol consumption and refrain from drinking and driving.

?Alcohol misuse is not isolated to any social, economic, racial or ethnic group,? Mr. Santucci said. ?It is a devastating problem that crosses all boundaries.?

The Bermuda Police Service is firmly behind ?No Alcohol Day? particularly because residents do not seem to be getting the message and continue to drink and drive.

?In Bermuda, the abuse of alcohol has had a dramatic effect on the fabric of our community,? Police Commissioner George Jackson said. ?This can be borne out in our 2006 January to March statistics which show that 89 operators of motor vehicles were arrested for driving whilst impaired.

?Of that number, three were under 18 years old and 29 were between 22 and 30,? Mr. Jackson added.

He explained there is no difference between people operating bikes or cars while impaired. One person arrested in the last three months was actually driving a public service vehicle.

?Just this past Easter weekend, 11 people were arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence, so it is apparent that every segment of our community is affected by alcohol,? Mr. Jackson added.

Mr. Santucci hoped that by introducing ?No Alcohol Day? people will start to reflect on their alcohol consumption.

?We want all residents to understand that you can go out with friends and colleagues and have fun without consuming alcohol. We are not advocating prohibition by any stretch of the imagination. What we are asking is that individuals make the decision for themselves.

?We encourage you to continue with your usual Friday evening activities but simply consider the elimination of alcohol for that day.?

Bars and restaurants will continue to serve alcohol on April 28 but residents are being asked to refrain from it. To encourage people to participate in the initiative people are being asked to text 441-747 CADA (2232) on April 28.

People have to answer a simple question, ?will you have an alcoholic drink today?? People can also enter on CADA?s website, www.cada.bm.

CellularOne has provided a $500 cash prize with everyone who answers CADA?s question online or by text entered in the draw. The winner will be drawn on May 2.

Asked if he thought people would choose an alcohol-free day over ?Happy Hour?, Mr. Santucci said: ?Absolutely. I am sure more people will think about the process than participate, but that is a start, to get people thinking about their alcohol consumption.?