ABC To Crack Down On Drunk Drivers This St. Patrick's Day In CA

Los Angeles CA

15 March, 2021

1:25 PM

Description

CALIFORNIA — Last year on St. Patrick's Day, seven people died and 116 were hurt in traffic accidents that were caused by drunk driving in California, according to the state. This Wednesday, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Department said it would be out in full force to look for impaired drivers on the Irish holiday. With the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing, the ABC said it would also be checking on health order compliance and urging Californians not to mix households as much as possible. Last week, the state relaxed some restrictions on breweries, distilleries and wineries in California. As of Saturday, these businesses were allowed to serve alcoholic beverages to customers without the requirement of ordering food for the first time in a year. Although these businesses — if they are located in a county that is still under the purple or red reopening tier — are restricted to outdoor service, a 90-minute time limit and an 8 p.m. alcohol cut off. This guidance does not apply to establishments that do serve food. St. Patty's Day is commonly celebrated with copious amounts of alcohol and often at local watering holes — many of which will reopen this week as the state relaxing more COVID-19 orders. But officials are urging Californians to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. Agents from the ABC said they will work with local law enforcement, licensed bars, retailers and restaurants and community members up and down the Golden State to crack down on impaired driving. During the pandemic, ABC agents have reportedly paid more than 233,000 visits to different places to bolster public safety. There was a 54 percent increase in alcohol sales across the U.S. one year ago when restrictive coronavirus orders first came down, according to an American Medical Association report. And since then, alcohol sales have remained elevated, ABC 7 reported. "Driving under the influence puts yourself and others on the road at risk and it also hurts financially; attorneys' fees, fines, court costs, insurance rate hikes and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California," the agency said in a statement.