Tag: Legal Alcohol Limit

By: Nicolas Di Nardo

The days of romantic dates could potentially disappear if the Federal government decides to reduce the legal alcohol limit for licensed drivers. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould has suggested lowering the limit to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood from the current 80 milligrams.

Last May, Wilson-Raybould sent a letter to provincial and territorial justice ministers suggesting this, as she believes that it will “better respond to the danger posed by impaired drivers,” however, others disagree.

François Meunier, a spokesperson for Quebec’s restaurant lobby has said that, “the (change would) mean a woman can have one drink and a man, in most cases, two,” so forget about ordering a bottle of wine with dinner, that won’t fly anymore.

Meunier also notes it won’t only be a problem for couples trying to enjoy a night out, but restaurants will also suffer. He stresses that owners are not worried about losing alcohol sales, but food sales that go along with the alcohol, and their total revenue are of their main concern. He also notes it is likely that, “when it comes to celebrations, parties, all that will be done at home as people change their behaviour…people will choose to stay home.”

Wilson-Raybould responded to reactions over her letter, stating that the current rules were established after an abundance of research, and with more recent research already conducted, it indicated that the “data underestimated the fatal crash risk,” and outlined that the risk of getting into a car accident is actually:

• Almost double at 50mg
• Almost triple at 80mg

Wilson-Raybould also mentioned in her letter a case study that looked into the dissuasive effect a reduction in blood/alcohol limit levels can have, citing Ireland. She wrote, “the reduction to 50 milligrams of alcohol, combined with obligatory testing for alcohol, produced a 50 per cent reduction in deadly road accidents… and a reduction of about 65 per cent in the number of (criminal) charges.” With Bill C-46, it allows police to demand drivers submit to a breathalyzer even if they don’t suspect they are under the influence. This, in tandem with the proposed lowered alcohol limit, could prove to be very effective.

However, bar and restaurant owners still do not approve. They believe that the government should focus on stopping repeat drunk drivers, not penalizing responsible ones. Other opinions address Trudeau and the legalization of marijuana, how he “wants to get everyone high”, but also prevent them from drinking. “It’s a double standard,” says Peter Sergakis, head of an association representing bar owners, “where is the logic?” The timing could not be worse to introduce this measure, seeing as provinces are preparing for the marijuana legalization bill to become law in 2018. Trying to juggle both at once may be too big of a pill for the government to swallow.

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“This article is intended to inform and entertain. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.”