EDMONTON — The Alberta government has passed Bill 26, a controversial enactment that gives police more authority to impound cars of drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level under the legal limit of .08.
News of the bill’s passing was met with concern from The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).
“We fully support the intention of the Bill and the tougher measures it imposes on drivers who are over the .08 BAC limit, but we are frustrated and disappointed by the process and by government’s unwillingness to listen to concerns about flawed sections of the Bill,” said Garth Whyte, president and CEO of CRFA.
The legislation will come into effect next year, introducing new penalties for people who blow between .05 and .08.
The bill is similar to a B.C. law passed last year, which is said to have resulted in a marked decrease in drinking and driving-related fatalities.
