Tougher drunk-driving laws hard on service clubs

Scott Trudeau The Okanagan Saturday 2010-10-09 
Okanagan service clubs believe B.C.‘s strict new drunk-driving laws are over the limit and are affecting their bottom line.  "Definitely, our sales are way down from what they are normally," said Ron Bannister, past president of Branch No. 40 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Penticton. "In fact, we didn‘t even take a beer or liquor order this week."  Bannister estimates alcohol sales are down 50 per cent since the Liberal government brought in legislation that included a warning range between .05 and .08 for blood-alcohol levels and allows police to issue driving suspensions, have a vehicle impounded and toss in a hefty fine.  Familiar faces at the legion in the evenings, and particularly on weekends, have vanished. Bannister said if business continues to fall, the legion will have to adjust its hours and close much earlier than usual.  That means Friday night entertainment and karaoke Saturday would be cancelled, and that would also affect musicians who perform at the legion. Attendance at weekly meat draws has also dropped by about half. Bannister said although the legion is situated near a bus stop and taxi companies are posted, many people are choosing to abstain rather than risk consuming even one drink. 

Penticton resident Patrick MacDonald, who belongs to the Elks, Eagles and the Summerland Legion, said some of the talk in service clubs stems from anger over the laws, which he labelled "Orwellian" and "draconian."  He concedes about one-third of motor vehicle accidents involve alcohol and believes anyone legally impaired deserves to be punished, but he questions how many accidents occur in the range below .08.  "Socially, it‘s a disaster," he said. "Veterans can‘t stop now, have three beers and go home. It‘s absolutely crazy." MacDonald doubts people without regard for the tougher laws will be inclined to stop drinking because of the stiffer penalties and warning range. He sees it as a "money grab" by the government and a move that affects the average working person who used to be able to enjoy one or two drinks after work. "It‘s the guy that really cares about the law, and now they‘re just not coming to the clubs."

In Vernon, at the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans in Canada Unit 5, the story is much the same. "A lot of our members, they used to come down in the afternoons and socialize with each other," said past president Erwin Ruf. "They‘re not obviously having as much or they‘re taking the bus over here, they‘re not staying as long - stuff like that."  The club sees fewer members during the day. Ruf said Friday-night crowds are still good, but, in many cases, people are choosing to drink water, pop or non-alcoholic beer.  "It seems to have impacted our sales," he said. Ruf said if fewer members come by or they cut their visits short, it‘s possible the club may have to consider shortening its hours.
 
The Kelowna Elks Lodge No. 52 hasn‘t noticed any substantial loss of business resulting from the new laws. General manager Brenda Bokitch said they‘re considering employing a shuttle for special events. "People want to be responsible," said Bokitch. "We are a service club and have a social responsibility, and we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get home."  She admits, however, that challenges lie ahead for everyone in the bar industry.  "It‘s that double-edged sword. Who is responsible? The bar, the patron, and where does the responsibility lie?" she said. "As a business or service club, it‘s our responsibility to make sure people drink responsibly."