Drink drive review threatens rural pubs

The UK government is considering plans to reduce the drink driving limit. The anticipated change would see the level drop from 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres to just 50mg, which for the average male equates to less than a single pint of beer or glass of wine.

Transport secretary Lord Adonis has said he will take “very seriously” the conclusions from the independent review by Sir Peter North QC, which is due to be submitted at the end of March.

The government already claims that such a move could prevent up to 65 deaths each year and a further 230 serious injuries.

If implemented, the legal change is likely to have a serious effect on rural pubs in particular, many of which are already under particular pressure from a combination of duty increases and the availability of cheap drink deals at major retailers.

Even the most loyal regular is unlikely to be prepared to risk losing their driving licence for the sake of a pint, especially in the many parts of the country where taking public transport to work is simply not an option.

The changes being proposed would bring the UK into line with most other European countries. In 2003 wine producers and restaurateurs in France voiced loud protests at the impact on their business when the French government decided to enforce the limit of 50mg. It was claimed that the clampdown had led to a 15% fall in on-trade wine sales.

If the changes are made, the penalties for exceeding the proposed new limit are likely to become less severe. Those drivers found to have alcohol levels between 50mg and 79mg are likely to face a shorter ban.

The required 12 week consultation process following the review means that, whatever the result, no changes will be implemented before the general election, which is widely assumed to be taking place on May 6.

Gabriel Savage, 16.03.2010