America's Beer, Wine & Spirits Retailers Introduce 'Effective Traffic Safety Solutions to Stop Drunk Driving' Toolbox

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Beverage Licensees (ABL) launched an aggressive campaign today to fight drunk driving and improve traffic safety by introducing "Effective Traffic Safety Solutions to Stop Drunk Driving - An ABL Toolbox." The "toolbox" will assist alcohol beverage retailers and legislators by providing them with a means of advocating for effective and sensible drunk driving solutions and opposing universal ignition interlocks on all vehicles.

"Alcohol beverage retailers oppose drunk driving without exception and are ready to find practical solutions to stop it," said ABL Executive Director Harry Wiles. "This toolbox includes innovative strategies, the use of current technologies and education & responsibility tools to further reduce the drunk driving problem."

Research has shown that repeat offenders and those offenders with an excessively high blood alcohol content (BAC) comprise the vast majority of the problem. ABL believes that with the integration of sensible policy solutions, involvement of the judicial community and the hard work by law enforcement agencies, it is possible to drastically reduce drunk driving and remove this most heinous subset of drunk drivers from our nation's roads.

"When it comes to sentencing drunk drivers, judicial discretion is absolutely critical," said Wiles. "Drunk drivers are not all the same. As with other criminal offenses, one-size fits all sentencing mandates, such as ignition interlocks for all offenders, are not an effective approach to the problem."

As part of this campaign to stop drunk driving, ABL and its members will monitor and vigorously oppose any efforts to implement ignition interlock technology as part of a wider campaign leading to mandated universal implementation of ignition interlocks in all vehicles.

The reality of "universal ignition interlocks" would mean the end of legal and responsible consumption of alcohol beverages prior to driving - de facto zero tolerance - regardless of whether that consumption takes place in on-premise establishments, sporting events, catered events or in private residences.

Contact the ABL office to obtain a copy of "Effective Traffic Safety Solutions to Stop Drunk Driving - An ABL Toolbox."

American Beverage Licensees (ABL)

The nation's largest trade association dedicated to representing the interests of "America's Beer, Wine and Spirits Retailers," ABL represents nearly 20,000 bars, restaurants, taverns, and package stores in 30 states throughout the country. For more information about ABL, please visit http://www.ablusa.org.