THE eThekwini Community Church has joined hands with local nightclubs, DJs and musicians to encourage the youth to stay away from liquor and drugs this festive season.

The church's head pastor Vusi Dube said: "It is a known fact that youth consume high levels of alcohol during the festive season and this leads to many driving under the influence and often resulting in accidents."

Dube said clubbing and drinking encourage reckless behaviour.

"Nightclubs are a source of high pregnancies and an increase of HIV infections among our youth.

"We need to pray for our youth. And we want to remind them that the festive season is a quality time for families."

The church also has special services for its youth to encourage responsibility and spiritual growth, he said.

Starting today, the campaign kicks off with a massive prayer gathering for DJs, poets and musicians at the church.

The event is a joint effort between Afrotainment star Mthokozisi "DJ Tira" Khathi and the church. Khathi said artists want to pray for a safe festive season.

"The festive season is a hectic period for artists as we will be travelling across the country to entertain people."

Khathi said they cannot force people to stop drinking but they are asking them to drink responsibly.