Utah's DUI law is changing

Frankie's ex, Michele, is the Executive Director for the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association and is asking Gov. Herbert to veto HB155, the nation's strictest DUI law.  The impact of this new law would be detrimental, to the state of Utah, on so many levels.  Please take a second to read.  

Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association: Gov. Herbert should veto HB155, the nation’s strictest DUI law

On Wednesday, March 8, Utah legislators voted to approve HB155, a bill that would make Utah the first state to reduce the blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit to 0.05, from 0.08 percent. If signed by Governor Herbert, the legislation would become the most restrictive DUI law in the country and will have detrimental effects on Utah’s restaurant industry, economy and reputation.

The Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association is highly committed to eliminating drunk driving and its harmful effects on society.  However, given the implications of HB155, we strongly believe this is an ineffective and ill-conceived approach. We call upon Governor Herbert to veto HB155.

According to the American Beverage Institute, the proposal would mean a 120-pound woman could feasibly get a DUI after a single drink.

HB155 also increases the risk of arrest for non-drinkers in Utah. Products such as mouthwash or breath spray can significantly increase breathalyzer results. Diabetes, acid reflux disease and even slight miscalibration of breathalyzers can lead to a 0.05 BAC reading. Lowering the limit unnecessarily penalizes those who aren’t under the influence, punishes those who drink responsibly, and draws scarce law enforcement resources away from finding and arresting truly impaired drivers who pose a real danger.

Reducing the limit will also increase dram shop insurance costs for restaurants, creating undue liability for owners. It would be nearly impossible for operators, who must rely on guests’ behavior and appearance, to gauge overconsumption.

We are proud that the legislature passed responsible alcohol policy in HB442, finally eliminating the ineffective “Zion Curtain.”  SLARA is glad to be rid of a stigma that has plagued Utah’s reputation for a decade.  We shudder to think that another negative “Zion” moniker will deter tourists, skiers and conventions from making Utah their chosen destination.

Utah currently has the lowest DUI rate in the United States.  This law, by default, will negatively impact that statistic while not effectively addressing impaired driving.

Within the HB442 Zion Curtain legislation, Utah will increase funding from alcohol sales that will be directed to education to prevent underage and irresponsible alcohol consumption. This, along with tougher penalties for 0.15+ BAC drivers, is a much more effective approach to reducing the DUI injuries and deaths.

Drunk driving is a serious issue that demands action, but HB155 is not the way to ensure our roads are safer.  Instead, it unduly harms Utahns.

 

Michele T. Corigliano

Executive Director

And

The Board of Directors

Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association (SLARA)

JOIN OUR "VETO HB155" RALLY

Say NO to the 0.05 DUI Law! 

http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e6831e0ba622dfe9b20d47874&id=a141d5a952


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