Law would ‘force rural pubs to shut’

RURAL pubs will be forced to close if a proposed reduction in the drink-driving limit comes into force, the VFI has warned.

Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan is expected to meet shortly with Justice Minister Michael McDowell to discuss reducing the blood alcohol limit to 50 milligrams, which is less than a pint.

Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) president Joe Browne said his organisation would strongly oppose such a move on the grounds that it would sound the death knell for many rural pubs.