B.C.’s drinking and driving penalties in Alberta?

(Oct. 27/11) Following a meeting with B.C. Premier Christy Clark, Alberta’s new Premier Alison Redford expressed favour for tougher drinking and driving laws – similar to British Columbia’s 0.05 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) legislation. CRFA members are concerned these laws will be adopted in Alberta, as they have had a devastating impact on B.C.’s hospitality industry.

CRFA action
In a letter to Premier Redford, CRFA outlined the impact of these penalties on B.C.’s hospitality industry. (A March 2011 survey of licensed B.C. members indicated 88 per cent experienced an average decline in liquor sales of 21 per cent due to the tough, new 0.05 BAC penalties.) We argued that government should focus its limited resources on repeat offenders who drive with a BAC of 0.15 or more and account for the majority of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities. We have also spoken out in the media.

What you can do
We encourage licensed Alberta members to contact their local MLA to voice concerns about bringing B.C.’s drinking and driving penalties to Alberta.