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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 offense 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.