In July of 2006, Ireland announced the Road Traffic Act, which included among other things, random breath tests by police on the roads to help decrease the rate of drink driving. Until that time I assume it was the case that you couldn’t be tested unless stopped for another offense like the States.

On Friday night, after celebrating the final day of our programme workshop at the Centre, I’m glad I resisted the temptation of a perfect pint at Connolly’s Pub in Sligo. I opted for a glass of water and on the way home along a two-lane country road I was stopped by police and given a breath test. I was still pretty nervous since I had wine with dinner. The legal limit is equal to approximately two pints, which isn’t very much.

There is a lot of discussion around the changing pub culture in Ireland, considering there is now a smoking ban and more strict drink driving laws. Anyone want to be designated driver this weekend?