Minister rejects claim that tougher drink-driving rules will kill rural pubs

Transport minister Lillian Greenwood said studies from Scotland and UK universities found no significant impact on pubs after a lower drink-drive limit, and the government is proposing to reduce England and Wales' limit from 35 to 22 micrograms as part of a road safety strategy that will be subject to consultation.

The government is focusing on a new road safety strategy that aims to cut deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035. One prominent proposal is to reduce the legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales, which has not changed since 1967 and is currently higher than most European countries. Transport minister Lillian Greenwood has been responding to industry concern that a lower limit would damage rural pubs. The full strategy is due to be published and many of its measures will go out for consultation. Key details: - The government proposes cutting the England and Wales breath-alcohol limit from 35 micrograms per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms, aligning it with Scotland’s limit introduced in 2014. - The strategy sets an overall target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. - The British Beer and Pub Association told press it is concerned that additional policy measures could further impact trade, especially in rural areas. - Lillian Greenwood rejected the claim that a lower limit would close rural pubs, saying the government has been evidence-led in its approach. - Greenwood cited studies from the University of Stirling and the University of Bath reporting that Scotland’s lower limit did not have a significant impact on the pub trade. Summary: The minister said evidence from Scotland and academic studies does not show a significant negative effect on pubs after a lower drink-drive limit, and she emphasised the government does not intend to stop people going to pubs. The Department for Transport is publishing the full road safety strategy and the proposed changes will be subject to consultation, so final details remain to be determined.