BREWING UP TROUBLE

FOR a brewer such as Scottish & Newcastle, the argument must have seemed
seductive. How to protect trade from proposed drink and driving laws while
behaving in a socially responsible manner? Simple: organise clubs and pubs
across the land to petition the Government with claims that a lower alcohol
limit will criminalise those who are in no sense drunk while driving.

As it happens, the argument is sound. That anyone should risk prosecution
for drinking no more than the equivalent of one pint of beer is taking zeal
for road safety too far.

It is unfair, in particular, on rural pubs and restaurants and it will do
nothing at all to deter the hardened drunkards who cause most accidents.

S&N has been foolish in the extreme, nevertheless, for using its corporate
power to organise a campaign. If drink causes deaths on the roads - and who
doubts it does? - it ill becomes a producer of alcoholic beverages even to
appear to puts its commercial interests above public health and safety. The
company has managed to have itself branded as irresponsible and has done
its cause no good at all. Not what we would call a sober decision.