In an effort to make New Year’s Eve as safe as possible, local establishments are sponsoring local cab companies on December 31.

Restaurants Boat House Bistro, China By The Sea, Herringbones, Mr. C’s, McSeagulls, Pier One Pizza and Robinson’s Wharf, as well as Federal Distributors, are sponsoring the fifth annual No Excuses program, where local cab companies are providing free cab service to and from the sponsoring establishments on New Year’s Eve. The cabs will provide this service to the entire Boothbay region peninsula.

Anyone in need of cab service 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.

This service begins at 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve and will go until the person is home from McSeagulls, Boat House Bistro and Pier One Pizza. Please be aware, due to volume 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 prompt and safe service possible. Most importantly, do not call multiple cabs, as this will slow down the overall service. Gratuities (tips) will not be expected, however, will be gratefully accepted.

Available cab companies on New Year’s Ever will include: BoBo’s Coastal Cabs, 380-4182; Stan’s Boothbay Taxi, 380-1409; and Richard’s Riverside, 350-6639.

The participating establishments will be offering the following on New Year’s Eve: Boat House Bistro: Karaoke until last call, full menu and specials, champagne toast; China By The Sea: regular hours and menu; Herringbones: Have a safe and fun holiday. See you at Fishermen’s Festival; Mr. C’s: Happy hour all day, lunch and dinner specials, regular hours; McSeagulls: regular menu, dinner specials, complimentary champagne toast, entertainment will be Boogie Mob; Pier One Pizza: draft specials, Jell-O shots, complimentary champagne toast; Robinson’s Wharf: regular menu and dinner specials, regular hours.