STARS collects proceeds from Prince Albert breathalyzers

The breathalyzers were manufactured by Vancouver-based Vending Group.

Mike Heggen with Vending Group said they began manufacturing breathalyzers to make people aware of their blood-alcohol level when they are out enjoying their evening.

Heggen said there is the chance that people will use them to see which person is more drunk than the other, but most people will use them responsibly.

So far, bars are 100 per cent at fault for people who drink and drive after having too much to drink, he said. In his mind, this equipment takes the pressure off bartenders because they can use the breathalyzer to show people they are over the limit.

Layla Patterson, Bailey’s Lounge manager agreed, saying she has never seen anything like this in Prince Albert. She was very excited they finally received a breathalyzer in the lounge.

“Beneficial to the customers, beneficial to my staff as well as to everybody out there enjoying a drink and it’s the holidays, so beneficial for everyone,” she said. “Let’s say if somebody is overly intoxicated and they’re playing with it, then we know they’re intoxicated, then we don’t have to serve them anymore.”

Patterson said she has witnessed people test the breathalyzers for accuracy, as well as use it to test their levels.

“I work day shifts, so I’ve seen it during the day because while people play VLTs, they’ll have a beer and they’ll use the breathalyzer,” she said. “If it’s in the danger [zone], they are more than willing to get me to call a cab or call a friend.”

People in Bailey’s have been at all levels said Patterson; OK, warning or danger. However, Patterson said the machine isn’t about proving how much liquor you have had, it’s about how much is in your bloodstream.

“No matter what blood-alcohol you’re at, you’re over the limit and it’s a dangerous [thing] to be driving like that, so whether you’ve had two drinks and you’re not showing it, the breathalyzer proves that point.”

The case against breathalyzers in bars

The night manager at Movado’s, Michael Hewison, said he thinks breathalyzers are a good idea. But if he has done a good job, no one will need to use it.

“It should be helpful, but then again if people actually have to get a breathalyzer when they go home, might mean I’ve failed at my job,” he said.

Trina Cockle, community leader with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Prince Albert Chapter, said she just doesn’t trust a breathalyzer in a bar to be accurate.

“If you need to consult a breathalyzer in a bar you have been drinking in then my guess is you probably shouldn’t be driving,” she said. “If you blow under the legal limit while at the bar, and you choose to drive based on that reading and get stopped by the police, then blow over the limit you will be held accountable to the reading from the police breathalyzer.”

At the end of the day, Cockle said we need to be responsible by planning ahead for a safe ride and taking control of our actions.

According to Cockle, a part of being responsible is reporting suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

10 Possible Signs of an Impaired Driver

-Driving unreasonably fast, slow or at an inconsistent speed

-Drifting in and out of lanes

-Tailgating and changing lanes frequently

-Making exceptionally wide turns

-Changing lanes or passing without sufficient clearance

-Overshooting or stopping well before stop signs or stop lights

-Disregarding signals and lights

-Approaching signals or leaving intersections too quickly or slowly

-Driving without headlights, failing to lower high beams or leaving turn signals on

-Driving with windows open in cold or inclement weather

The Pizza Bar in Duck Lake also received a breathalyzer machine over the weekend.

Heggen said no matter how you feel about the breathalyzers, $250 was raised only a week after their installation.

Other places in Saskatchewan and outside of Canada are also split on the benefits of the breathalyzers.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter:@princealbertnow

by Kayla Bruch

STARS collects proceeds from Prince Albert breathalyzers

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