Pubs soak up cuts in drink-drive limit

TR A DE in pubs has w it hstood t he l ower i ng of the d r i n k-d r ive l i mit in Scotland, new research suggests.

Stirling University academics interviewed pubs, nightclubs and restaurant managers, finding businesses and customers have adapted to the changes, with less after-work drinking and more leaving the pub earlier on weekdays.

In 2014, the Scottish Government introduced legislation to reduce the legal alcohol limit for driving from 80mg to 50mg in every 100ml of blood.

Most of the 16 managers interviewed reported no long-term financial impact on their business, though rural pubs were more likely to report a negative economic impact.

The tighter restrictions have also led to changes in pubs, with bars offsetting losses by introducing a greater range of food and selling drinks with no or little alcohol.

Owners have also changed the presentation of drinks, with one admitting to making a sparkling water “look like a gin and tonic”.

Stirling University associate professor Niamh Fitzgerald, who led the study, said: “The findings are of international relevance as lower drink-drive limits are being considered in other countries.

“We found a broad acceptance of the change in legislation, with most reporting no persistent financial impact on their businesses – despite some changes in customer behaviour.

“The findings of our study ought to provide policymakers with some reassurance that the on-trade alcohol retail sector may be able to successfully adapt business practices and products offered in the context of a reduced drink-drive limit.”

Rural pubs were more likely to report a negative economic impact, while “urban food-led establishments” were less likely as customers continued to eat out, switching alcohol for soft drinks.

There was a general belief more people had stopped drinking alcohol entirely if they had to drive.