New limits could hit cash registers

GOING DOWN: Drivers faced with passive breath testers from December 1 will need to return a lower reading than has so far been the case. PHOTO/FILE

COUNTRY clubs, pubs and bars in Wairarapa face a hit to the cash registers next month, says a hospitality manager.

A lower alcohol limit will be introduced on December 1, taking the limit from 400mcg to 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath for drivers over 20 and decrease the blood alcohol limit from 80mg to 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

Regional manager for Hospitality New Zealand Dylan Firth has warned the new alcohol limit will have a negative impact on bars and pubs, particularly country clubs based in small towns around Wairarapa.

"There are quite a lot of business owners who are concerned that patrons will be scared to have one beer after work even though most likely under the new limits one beer should be fine.

"The effect on businesses could be quite negative especially in the country clubs that are a bit more remote.

"Guys finishing work and going down for a beer anywhere that is a bit more out of the way will be a bit more worried to go and have that beer and then drive home after they have had it.

"The after-work beer might dwindle, which will affect businesses that already have low profit margins and high compliance costs."

Drivers caught between 251mcg and 400mcg will receive an instant $200 fine, 50 demerit points and a ban from driving for 12 hours but this will not result in a criminal conviction.

Wairarapa Road Safety Council manager Bruce Pauling said he expected a sharp increase in the number of Wairarapa residents getting penalised for being over the limit.

"There is always a period of time with new legislation where people forget that there is new legislation in place," he said.

"I have seen figures from NZTA suggesting there will be a jump in figures and I do fully expect that to happen.

"It's unfortunate but sometimes people do, regardless of the amount of advertising, tend to get caught up and forget about the new laws, especially with the Christmas season coming up there will be people being stopped and prosecuted.

"It's necessary however because, as research has shown, people with lower reduced levels of blood alcohol still have problems recognising how much effect, even a small amount of alcohol, has on their ability to drive."

Data from the Ministry of Transport showed a drop in the number of drink-driving offences in the region from 303 in 2009 to 259 in 2013 under the present alcohol limit.

Transport Agency road safety director Ernst Zllner said the new limits were a necessary change and a "game-changer".

"Drink-driving inflicts a huge amount of pain and suffering on New Zealand families and communities, and this change sends a clear message to those who would put themselves and others at risk by driving while affected by alcohol," he said.

"Together with other recent changes including zero alcohol limits for teens, alcohol interlocks and new penalties for serious and repeat drink-driving offenders, this measure will make New Zealand roads safer for everyone."

NZME.