Could Budget Plan Provision Increase Ohio Drunk Driving Accidents?

A provision of the Ohio Senate’s latest budget plan would allow liquor permit holders in certain circumstances to push the cutoff time for alcohol sales from 2:30 a.m. to 4 a.m.  While a report posted to Cleveland.com earlier this week focused on the application of this new rule to the upcoming RNC convention in Cleveland, it was noted that the provision also “would permit any Ohio municipality with a population of more than 350,000 to allow 4 a.m. beer and liquor sales during ‘major events’ that last between one and 10 days and are expected to attract more than 3,000 people.”  The budget plan, which includes the provision in question, is still being debated by the Senate.

Will the Provision Mean More Cleveland Drunk Driving Injuries?

At this point, there is no way to tell.  The provision may not even make it through the Senate.  Moreover, without hard data regarding the effect of later alcohol cut-off times on drunk driving, we cannot state whether a 4 a.m. cutoff time increases the risk of drunk driving accidents.

However, in response to a similar move for later alcohol cut-off times in Colorado last year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving pointed out some of the logical concerns that stem from this type of provision.  According to M.A.D.D., not only do extended alcohol service hours increase the likelihood of over-drinking, but they may also create a reason for bar patrons to travel from one location to another to continue drinking past the ordinary 2:30 a.m. cutoff time.  These concerns are not unreasonable.

If You Are Injured by a Drunk Driver, You Need a Cleveland Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

While it is still uncertain whether this provision will become law, what we do know for certain is that Ohio drunk driving accidents are a continuing threat to the safety of Cleveland drivers.  Individuals who choose to drive under the influence and the bars and restaurants that overserve them must be held accountable for their dangerous and negligent actions.  At Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA, our drunk driving accident lawyers and dram shop attorneys represent drunk driving accident victims in Cleveland, Ohio, and across the nation.

If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident, contact us today to discuss your case.