CRFA's Alberta Lobbyist
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Mark von Schellwitz Vice President, Western Canada T: 1-866-300-7675 E: mark@crfa.ca |
Survey: 82% of Alberta licensees concerned about drinking and driving penalties
(Nov. 16/11) CRFA members in Alberta are concerned over proposed 0.05 blood alcohol content (BAC) drinking and driving penalties, especially in light of the harmful impact this legislation has had in British Columbia. In a CRFA survey of Alberta licensees, 82 per cent indicated that new administrative penalties will have a negative impact on liquor sales.
Impact in British Columbia
Introducing significant administrative penalties for drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 had unintended consequences for B.C.’s hospitality industry and government. These included:
- the potential for people who drink responsibly and drive to be wrongfully punished without any recourse under the law;
- the potential for someone who operates a vehicle while legally impaired to avoid conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada;
- lost liquor sales – 88 per cent of CRFA’s B.C. licensed members lost an average of 21 per cent in liquor sales in the six months following introduction of the new penalties, due to customer fear and confusion over the legislation; and
- lost jobs in licensed operations due to lower liquor sales.
Many of these consequences are amplified in rural areas and smaller communities where taxis and public transportation are not available.
CRFA action
CRFA supports the government’s desire to get impaired drivers off Alberta’s roads, but opposes the introduction of severe administrative penalties. Alberta accident statistics confirm the majority of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities result from impaired drivers at twice the legal 0.08 BAC limit, and those who repeatedly drive while legally impaired.
CRFA is asking Premier Redford and the Ministers responsible for new administrative penalties to focus on this group that puts Albertans at risk – not the average person who enjoys a drink with dinner without posing a safety risk.
CRFA has wasted no time in bringing member concerns over proposed drinking and driving penalties to government and the media. We have met with the Premier’s Chief of Staff, Stephen Carter and Leader of the Wildrose Party, Danielle Smith. We have also had discussions with Premier Redford. Today we are meeting with the lead minister responsible for the legislation, the Hon. Ray Danyluk, Minister of Transportation.
CRFA has also spoken out through various media outlets, such as The Calgary Herald and CBC News.