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

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, Thistle Inn 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; 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: Entertainment will be Dave and Chris Gagne; full menu and New Year’s specials; champagne toast at midnight.

Boothbay Craft Brewery (Watershed Tavern): Closed New Year’s Eve.; Have a safe and happy new year.

China By The Sea: Regular menu and business hours.

Federal Distributors: Happy New Year!

McSeagulls: Entertainment will be the Boogie Mob, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; full menu and New Year’s Eve specials; champagne toast at midnight.

Mystic Mermaid: Closed for the season; Have a safe and happy new year. See you in the spring.

Pier One Pizza: Jell-O shots; champagne toast at midnight.

Robinson's Wharf: Closed New Year’s Eve; Have a safe and happy new year.

The Thistle Inn: Open 4 p.m. to midnight; four-course meal with wine-paring option; half off Happy Hour pricing from 10 to 11 p.m.; champagne toast at midnight.