Drink measures going too far?

AN all-party Government group are proposing to cut the drink-driving limit and put cigarette packet-style health warnings on bottles of wine and cans of beer to alert people to the dangers of alcohol. The new measures would mean that one pint of beer would put drivers over the legal limit. Reporter DAWN MARSDEN and photographer DARREN ROBINSON asked shoppers in Oldham town centre their views


Jill Stephenson (31) supports the measures, adding: “I would set the drink driving limit at zero.

“I don’t think you should have a drink at all if you are driving — anything is too much. Alcohol affects people in different ways so there is no safe limit in my eyes.

“I also think labels on alcohol bottles are a good idea because they would make you think twice about drinking too much. They would serve as a warning so it can only be a good thing.”

Sarah Hollas (30) agrees with a lowering of the limit. She said: “I don’t drive, but if I did I wouldn’t have anything to drink. There’s no point, you might as well just get a taxi.

“The labels might seem pointless as people know alcohol is bad for them, but I think kids do read these labels so if it makes them more aware of the dangers then its a good thing.”

Winston Matthews (73) isn’t a big drinker. He said: “I don’t really drink much apart from when I’m on holiday but I certainly wouldn’t drink and drive. I would support a zero limit. I think the plan to put labels on bottles is veering towards a nanny state but I can understand why they want to put them on.

“Alcohol affects people and it can cause all kinds of health problems so if the labels can save someone’s life then I’m all for it. You don’t have to read them if you don’t want to.”

Mike Brooks (64) says anything that will save lives is a good idea. He added: “I don’t drink and drive and I would support a zero limit. People who want a drink will have a drink regardless so I’m not sure what good the labels will do.

“But I think the younger generation might take heed of the advice so I support the idea of them.”

Lorraine (62) and Jack Harrison (64) feel the labels would be too much. Lorraine said: “I support a lowering of the drink-driving limit but I don’t see what good the labels will do. The warnings on cigarette packets haven’t put me off smoking and I don’t like being told what I can and can’t do.”

Jack added: “I think the limit should be zero, I just don’t see the point in having half a pint. You might as well either have nothing or get a taxi. I worry about how over the limit people are when they drive the next morning. But I don’t want to be dictated to.”