As the UK government launches its first major road safety strategy in more than a decade that is targeting a reduction in the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on the roads, the NTIA agrees road safety is paramount but there must be different ways for people to travel at night without driving while over the alcohol limit.
The Department for Transport has proposed reducing the alcohol limit in for novice motorists and those within their two-year probation period from 80mg per 100ml of blood to around 20mg while all other drivers would face a limit of around 50mg, which is the current limit in Scotland.
NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “Road safety has to come first, and the night-time economy absolutely supports efforts to reduce harm and save lives. No venue, operator or community wants to see people injured or killed as a result of drink-driving and our sector has long-promoted responsible drinking, designated drivers and, increasingly, high-quality low and no alcohol options.
Real risk of people staying at home
“However, if Government is considering lowering drink-drive limits, this has to be part of a joined-up approach. For many people – particularly in suburban, coastal and rural areas – driving is often the only viable way to get to and from a pub or venue. Without realistic late-night alternatives, there is a real risk that people simply stay at home, which would further impact already fragile local businesses and community hubs.”
The Parkers Arms chef-patron Stosie Madi wrote in The Morning Advertiser last August that a change in the drink-drive limit could deliver a fatal hit to rural pubs.
The Lancashire gastropub boss was quick to state nobody in the hospitality sector condones drink-driving but a lack of public transport, particularly in rural areas, could put people off visiting pubs.
Research by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) in its State of the Nation Survey of 600 outlets when the drink-drink limit was lowered in 2015 found 55% of hospitality sites showed a decline in like-for-like sales between 2015 v 2014 and 38% of food outlets had also recorded a downturn.
Thriving night-time economy
Two years after the implementation, bars and hotels in Scotland were still feeling the impact with only 28% showing growth and 39% in year-on-year decline.
Kill continued: “There are positive examples of how this can work well. In Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham has invested in stronger late-night bus services to help people get home safely after a night out. That kind of thinking shows that public safety and a thriving night-time economy don’t have to be in conflict – but it does require leadership and investment.
“If ministers want people to leave their cars at home, they must ensure there are safe, affordable and reliable ways for them to get home late at night. That means late-night buses, night-time rail where possible, and a sustainable taxi and private hire sector.
“The night-time economy is ready to play its part but changes to drink-drive policy must be matched with transport solutions. Done properly, this can improve safety without undermining the social, cultural and economic value of pubs, clubs and venues across the country.”
