Most people who enjoy a pint or two while at their favourite watering hole or a glass of wine with dinner have changed their habits since the province introduced strict new drinking and driving laws - and that's a good thing.
Under the legislation, which came into effect in September, anyone caught with a blood-alcohol level higher than 0.08 per cent, or refusing to give a breath sample, will face a three-month driving suspension, have their vehicle impounded for 30 days and pay up to $4,000 in fines. A new warning range starting at 0.05 leads to a ban on driving for three days and $450 in fines and fees, all for a first offence. Previously, those who blew 0.05 would face a 24-hour prohibition and possible vehicle impoundment.
There has been widespread debate whether the new laws are fair. Are they too strict? And are they unfairly penalizing people who just want to enjoy a night out and have a drink or two, but are still responsible enough to stop before they've had too much?
The tougher laws have certainly impacted restaurants and bars, which have already been hit hard with the harmonized sales tax. Liquor sales have certainly decreased and some businesses have reported a lot of confusion around what blood-alcohol levels are acceptable. Customers are not coming out as much, and if they are, they are choosing non-alcoholic drinks. Now that's not necessarily a bad thing, but when you operate a restaurant or bar and it's hurting your bottom line, then it is an issue.
So where do we go from here? On one hand we applaud the new tougher laws and the ability of law enforcement to get more impaired drivers off our roadways. Drinking and driving is still a leading cause of accidents on our roads. Families are torn apart and lives are impacted forever. We want to see an end to drinking and driving on our roads, but on the other hand, we also still want people to have the ability to enjoy a night out with friends.
The provincial government recognizes this and will be taking a sober second look at the new laws.
This week Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Rich Coleman said it's timely for government to examine the new rules to ensure they are working effectively.
We want safer roads, we want people to make smart choices, and we want a fair system that the public can support. We welcome a review of the system and applaud the chance to make the laws the best and the fairest they can be.
