Innocent majority would be hit by any limit cut

LOWERING the drink-drive limit could make criminals out of otherwise law-abiding islanders. 'The majority of people are sensible with their drinking and take a responsible attitude to the current drink-drive level and do not exceed it. It's only a very small minority who do,' said Health deputy minister David Grut.

He is tabling an amendment to the proposal in the Bailiwick Alcohol Strategy. If accepted, it would keep the existing limit.

'To penalise the vast majority for a small minority is unjustified,' he said.

'Those who drink above 80mg but take a responsible attitude and take an alternative means of transport home are liable under the 50mg limit to be prosecuted the next day,' said Deputy Grut.

'I don't believe there is sufficient evidence to show that there is an increased number of accidents from alcohol levels between 50mg and 80mg and therefore don't believe a reduction is justified.'

The States will decide next week whether to back the limit change proposed in the strategy or support Deputy Grut's amendment.

Licensees voiced their concerns on the drink-drive move at a public meeting earlier this week and other parts of the strategy.

Health minister Peter Roffey was not surprised that publicans turned out in force to show their disapproval at moves they believe will hit trade hard.

'I would be surprised if the licensed trade did not have reservations about lowering the drink-drive level, but any community has to set their level on the basis of the one at which driving becomes unsafe,' said Deputy Roffey.

He said the proposal reflected best scientific evidence and the law in just about every other Western country.

'It's not an anti-drinking proposal and I don't think it will turn Guernsey into a dry culture any more than it has done in France where they have a limit of 50mg,' he said.

He does not believe there has been a huge public outcry at the proposal to lower the limit.

'It's natural some people will be slightly cheesed off about anything that impinges on their lifestyle. As a consumer of alcohol, I feel the same way,' said Deputy Roffey.

He hoped the States would put road safety above these considerations.

'We will argue our corner and will be happy to accept whatever the States decides,' he said.

He denied claims it would be the workers who popped into their local for a few pints after work who would be targeted.

'I say they may feel they are driving safely but there is no doubt after two pints of beer that their driving ability is impaired,' said Deputy Roffey.

'We are not trying to stop people from drinking alcohol. This is simply to do with stopping them putting people's lives at risk by driving under the influence.'

Deputy Roffey said the drink-drive limit was just one small element of the alcohol strategy package, but understood why it had captured people's attention.

'I hope the States will also debate the other parts of the strategy. If they were to decide to keep the current drink-drive limit, it would not affect any other proposals,' he said.