In an effort to make New Year's Eve as safe as possible, local businesses are sponsoring our local cab companies for the sixth annual No Excuses Program on Dec. 31. The sponsors include Boat House Bistro, China By The Sea, Herringbones, McSeagulls, Pier One Pizza, Robinson's Wharf and, due to previous years success, we have acquired new sponsorship from The Carriage House, The Thistle Inn, The Watershed Tavern/Boothbay Craft Brewery and Federal Distributors.

The local cab companies will be providing free cab service to the Boothbay region peninsula to and from these sponsoring establishments.

Anyone in need of cab services beyond the Cod Cove Inn in Edgecomb, or the junction of River Road and McKay Road will be responsible for the appropriate fare established by the cab they choose. All other fares not to or from one of the sponsoring establishments will also be the responsibility of the patron.

The service begins at 5 p.m. Dec. 31, New Year's Eve. The service will continue until the last person is home from the Boat House Bistro, McSeagulls and Pier One Pizza. Please be aware, due to call volume and/or weather conditions, there may be a wait for service, so please be patient -- you will get a ride. The cabs will be working together to provide everyone the most safe and prompt service possible. Most importantly, please do not call multiple cabs as this will slow down the overall service. Finally, gratuities (tips) will not be expected, however, will be thankfully and gratefully accepted.

The available cab companies will include: Bo Bo's Coastal Cabs, 207-380-4182; Stan's Boothbay Taxi, 207-380-1409; and Richard's Riverside, 207-350-6639.

Special features will be available at some of the participating establishments on New Year's Eve:

Boat House Bistro: Karaoke, drink and dinner specials and a champagne toast

China By The Sea: Regular menu and hours

Herringbones: Thank you for a great season and see you in 2017. Have a safe and Happy New Year

McSeagulls: Dinner specials, dinner until 10 p.m., Boogie Mob from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and a champagne toast

Robinson's Wharf: Regular menu, dinner and drink specials, open until 9 p.m.

The Carriage House: Regular hours, dinner specials from a 3-course fixed menu, $5 drink specials

The Thistle Inn: 6-course dinner from 5 to 9 p.m., cocktail party from 9 p.m. to 1 p.m., free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar

Pier One Pizza: Open late, champagne toast, Jello shots -- come join the fun

Watershed Tavern/Boothbay Craft Brewery: Open late, dinner specials available until 10 p.m., pint specials, champagne toast at midnight -- last day open until May.