The National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) and the Beer Institute (BI) are committed to continue working to eliminate drunk driving, underage drinking and the problems associated with the abuse of alcohol.

BI and NBWA believe the best approach to combat drunk driving is to support effective, state-based solutions. As such, BI and NBWA support the mandatory use of ignition interlocks for offenders with repeat DWI convictions and for drivers convicted of drunk driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher, even for a first time offense. Judicial discretion may be used when determining the suitability of interlocks for offenders with a BAC in excess of the legal limit of .08. Additionally, beer distributors, brewers and importers believe that other emerging technologies could be important tools to fight drunk driving.

BI and NBWA have a long history of working to strengthen effective state-based alcohol regulation to provide the proper regulatory environment to address the potential for the abuse of alcohol including drunk driving. Moreover, America’s beer distributors, brewers and importers are leaders in the effort to provide education, free cab rides, responsibility training, media campaigns, public service announcements and other programs to fight drunk driving across the country and within local communities. Over the past 20 years, the beer industry has dedicated substantial financial resources to address the important issues of drunk driving and alcohol abuse.

BI and NBWA support efforts such as saturation patrols together with other effective and constitutional law enforcement measures. The publicity surrounding enforcement is an effective tool to fight drunk driving and educate consumers about the importance of responsible behavior.

NBWA and BI will continue to evaluate legislation on a state-by-state basis and support other proposals that work to reduce drunk driving.