Soberman: Superhero Promotes Responsible Partying [Updated]

Costumes at bar crawls or themed parties aren't unusual. But when there's just one guy who shows up in Spandex? That could be a little unsettling.

But it didn't stop Soberman, a self-billed anti-DUI superhero, from making an appearance at Whitlow's on Wilson in Clarendon on Thursday night — his penultimate outing this holiday season.

Soberman's mission "is not to be a buzz kill, only to make sure the buzz doesn't hit the road," according to a news release.

"He spread the message of safe and alternative ways home after a night at the bar," Arlington police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck told Patch. "The bar patrons and even the people who were just walking back were very engaging with SoberMan. They talked about responsible partying and I think the message that he had was very effective."

ARLNow.com's Katie Pyzyk perhaps captured the best moment of the night:

"The anti-drunk driving superhero approached one man emerging from a bar and said, 'Hello, Arlington partier. I am Soberman.' The bar patron promptly replied, 'I am Drunkman.' Soberman congratulated the man for having fun and asked the all-important question,'Drunkman, how are you getting home tonight?' "

Soberman rewarded responsible parties with Starbucks giftcards, Pyzyk wrote.

Soberman's appearance with the Arlington police is part of the local department's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort, which runs through New Year's Day, and all of it falls under the umbrella of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, or WRAP.

WRAP also coordinates the popular SoberRide program, which also lasts through Jan. 1. Through the program, partiers can call 800-200-TAXI for a free ride home, up to a $30 value.

Arlington police do not have any DUI checkpoints planned before the new year, but the department will be conducting DUI saturation patrols at night, Sternbeck said.

Following "Operation: Clarendon," as organizers called it, Soberman will make his final appearance of the holiday season Monday night at the sold-out Capitals-Ducks game at the Verizon Center in Washington.

Before the puck drops, Soberman will be at the Green Turtle Bar on the corner of F and 6th streets, according to a news release. If you're there, expect more prizes for partiers who have planned a way to get home that doesn't involve drinking and driving.

From 6 to 7 p.m., Soberman will be in Section 109 of the center's inner concourse, "engaging the masses," the release states, and posing for pictures with fans and spreading his message on Twitter, Instagram and other social channels.

Follow his adventures with the hashtag #soberman.

This article has been updated to include information about Monday night's appearance.