Restaurant Association
Wants Legislators To Ease Off On Drinking
Driving Provisions
At least one group is not too pleased with
the drinking and driving sanctions in the
new Ley de Tránsito. The Cámara
Costarricense de Restaurantes (Costa Rican
restaurant association) is making their
concerns known to legislators as they
continue discussion on making the provisions
even tougher.
The Cámara says that at least 325 bars have
closed and 6.000 people have lost their jobs
since the introduction of tough drinking and
driving sanctions in December 2008.
In their petition to legislators, the Cámara
is asking legislators to remove the penal
provisions of those that drive under the
influence of alcohol if it is a first
offence and no damage to property or people
is involved.
Edgar Marín, president of the Cámara, said
on ADN Noticias (90.7FM) says that the Ley
de Tránsito and the economic crisis has hit
hard the industry.
Marín said that the law is too harsh on
first time offenders who face jail and
losing their vehicle if found driving with
blood alcohol levels of 0.75 and over.
In contrast, the Instituto de Alcoholismo y
Farmacodependencia (IAFA), assures that the
economic interests of bars cannot override
the security of the roads.
Guiselle Amador, director of the IAFA, said
that the safety and health of individuals
outweighs the "profits" of business and did
not agree with the petition of the Cámara.
Legislators have until the end of this week
to approve tougher sanctions. Legislators
are discussing a proposal to drop the drunk
driving limit to 0.50.
The current law calls for a fine and points
for drivers with a blood alcohol level of
0.50 and 0.75 and criminal prosecution above
the 0.75. |
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