New .05 BAC penalties a hot issue in Alberta’s election

(Apr. 4/12) As election fever sweeps Alberta, Bill 26 – with its tougher .05 blood alcohol content (BAC) penalties – will likely be hotly debated.

CRFA’s position
CRFA and its members support tougher drinking driving penalties for legally impaired .08 BAC drivers, but strongly object to significantly tougher penalties targeting drivers with .05 BAC levels. Statistics show 85 per cent of all alcohol-related driving accident fatalities involve drivers well over the criminally impaired level of .08 BAC. Many CRFA members believe the tougher .05 BAC penalties target responsible Albertans who enjoy a social drink at restaurants – rather those who repeatedly drive while criminally impaired and cause accidents.

The political standpoint
When the legislation was introduced, Alberta’s opposition parties supported CRFA’s position and opposed the .05 BAC provisions of Bill 26. The Wildrose Party even distributed political, anti-.05 BAC coasters to bars and restaurants in the province. The PC Party responded with an aggressive, pre-election radio advertisement calling the Wildrose Party – and anyone opposed to tougher penalties – “irresponsible.”

What you can do this election
CRFA encourages members to actively participate in Alberta’s election campaign. Use our Election Toolkit – which includes industry information and issues – in your discussions with election candidates.

Click here to access Alberta’s Election Toolkit.