MEPs take aim at drunk drivers

Measures to reduce the number of under-age drinkers and road deaths caused by drunk-driving should be priorities for a European Commission strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, according to the European Parliament’s environment committee.

A report adopted by the committee on Tuesday (17 July) said that soft drinks mixed with spirits, otherwise known as alcopops and generally aimed at young drinkers, should face a higher rate of taxation.

The report said that new drivers should be fined if caught with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above zero.

A spokesman for the Commission said: "The Commission communication said a reduced blood alcohol level for young drivers might be something member states could usefully look at."

But Antonio Avenoso of the European Transport Safety Council warned that a 0% BAC would be unenforceable.

"Even if you haven’t been drinking, natural digestion produces some alcohol in the body," he said.

Measures to reduce the number of under-age drinkers and road deaths caused by drunk-driving should be priorities for a European Commission strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm, according to the European Parliament’s environment committee.