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How clubs/bars can be truly responsible

November 22, 2009 by Edmund Gall

The tips stated at the end of Camille Bethel's article, "Club owners: We will try our best" (Sunday Express, 22 Nov 2009), such as to suck on Powermints and chewing gum, don't help to reduce the incidences of drunk driving.  While sensible folks may realise that, there are some who may take your words as fact so there should've been clear text to indicate that those were not acceptable tips for remaining sober.
 
With regards to club owners who think they can't do more to encourage responsible drinking, I offer the following.
 
First, purchase a portable breathalyzer, preferably one of the models approved for use by the police.  Those cheap devices sold as car key chains are toys - they are not accurate at all and should never be relied upon for proper testing of breath alcohol content. Better yet, sub-contract with Arrive Alive to have measuring and regular calibrating done.
 
Next, for each group of five customers, have one of them registered as a Designated Driver before they're allowed to buy drinks.  Test that person before drinks are ordered for their group - only if they're below the limit and carry a valid driving licence, can they be accepted as Designated Drivers.  Designated Drivers must hand-over their car keys at registration (club staff can verify that the cars are parked in their car park).  For the rest of their stay in the club/bar, the Designated Driver is not allowed to have any alcoholic drinks.  Once they're ready to leave, the Designated Driver is tested and if still below the legal limit, their car keys are given to them.
 
Here's the carrot for this scheme.  Groups who register a Designated Driver receive their drinks at discounted prices.  Or you can offer all Designated Driver drinks for free.
 
Here's the stick.  If the Designated Driver fails the breathalyzer test when they're ready to leave, they must pay back the discount they received for the drinks ordered during their stay before receiving their car keys AND must agree to having a taxi take them home (the car may be collected the following day).
 
The business benefit?  The clubs/bars can raise their drink prices by a small amount to cover any costs/discounts and advertise themselves as being truly responsible companies.  Contract with a local taxi company to get a cut of any taxi fare originating from the club.
 
While ultimate responsibility lies with the customer, a club/bar cannot claim to be responsible if all they do is display signs warning about drink driving while offering free drinks.
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November 23, 2009 by Global Voices Online » Trinidad & Tobago: (not verified), 15 weeks 2 days ago
Comment id: 170

[...] KnowTnT.com's Edmund Gall suggests ways in which clubs and bars can “do more to encourage responsible drinking.” Cancel this reply [...]

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