Drink drive limit ‘will close half of pubs’

THE new drink-driving laws that come into force today have been branded a major blow for rural Ireland, which will lead to the closure of up to half the pubs in the country.

Kerry County Council member, Bobby O’Connell, who owns and runs a public house in Castleisland, said vintners are convinced that up to 50% of all pubs will be forced to shut down within the next five years.

The new legislation cuts the blood alcohol limit to 50mg per 100mls of blood and Cllr O’Connell said just one drink could edge some people over the legal limit.