Josh O’Dowd and Jarrod Hawker have taken up the FebFast challenge and will abstain from alcohol for 28 days.

FebFast raises money for youth addiction and encourages people to pick a challenge to tackle.

Participants can undertake a 28-day alcohol, sugar, junk food, smoking or social media detox.

Owner/manager at the Seanchai Irish Pub, Mr O’Dowd said the last time he gave up drinking for an extended period of time was in 2002. “Last time I lasted two months,” he said. 

Mr O’Dowd said that after a big Australia Day, he was looking forward to curbing his alcohol intake during February.

“Being a publican and surrounded by alcohol will make it hard. I’m going to try and drink water and lots of juice.”

Not only will Mr O’Dowd expunge booze from his diet, he will also say no to energy drinks. “I’m also giving up Red Bull,” he said.

The Loft owner/manager Jarrod Hawker is also keen to test his willpower over the 28-day campaign.

“Being a publican can be a strain on your health at times, especially after the excesses of Christmas,” he said. Mr Hawker has previously tried to complete other month-long abstinence challenges. “Being around alcohol pretty much seven days a week does have its temptations, but I’m sure the music will keep me distracted,” he said. 

“I did Ocsober and the first time I lasted 17 hours and the second 27 hours.”

All money raised during Febfast goes to Family Drug Support and Youth Support + Advocacy Service. 

To donate, search for Mr O’Dowd and Mr Hawker’s names on the FebFast webpage.