Drink-driving limit changes opposed

THE Government could be facing controversy over its plans to lower the drink-driving limit after publicans yesterday claimed there was no evidence any reduction would impact on road safety.

Pub owners signalled they will oppose any changes to the limits in the face of the Government’s commitment to reduce the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration level of 0.8 (80mgs of alcohol per 100mls of blood) as part of its Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, which represents more than 5,000 publicans, described a report by the RSA calling for a reduction to drink-driving limits as “inconsistent and flawed”.