Local bar launches Anti-DWI program, partners with Uber

The Sandbar Brewery & Grill has partnered with Uber in hopes to make the streets of Albuquerque a bit safer with the announcement of The Mendez Program, their Anti-DWI program that launched last week. The announcement comes within two months of the bars grand opening. The trial program, which will be exclusively through Uber, will pay for guests’ ride home using the ride-booking service. Guests must Uber in after 9 p.m. and will have to Uber out with groups of three or more. The Sandbar will pay for up to $15 of an Uber ride, which covers the distance for most destinations within town.

The Mendez Program aims to fight the increasing number of DWI cases that Albuquerque has each year. The program, which serves as a tribute to victims of DWI cases, was named after brothers Robert Mendez, 27, and Sergio Mendez-Aguirre, 23, who lost their lives nearly two years ago after being struck by a drunk driver near I-25. The brothers and a third passenger, Grace Sinfield, 20, all died that night. Since the soft launch of The Mendez Program, it has been well received from the residents of Albuquerque.

“Uber has helped to make Albuquerque a safer place, The Mendez Program only helps to enhance that,” says Josh VanLandingham, co-owner of The Sandbar Brewery & Grill. “If we can help people get home safely after enjoying themselves at our establishment, then we are going to do it.”