FRANCE:French bar owners, just getting used to a smoking ban imposed at the start of the year, reacted cautiously yesterday to a government proposal for compulsory breathalyser tests in late-night bars and cafes.
The plan, announced by environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo late on Sunday, came on a deadly bank holiday weekend on France's roads, with at least seven fatal accidents with up to 17 deaths, several involving drugs or alcohol.
Bernard Cartier, head of the national federation of bars, cafes and discotheques, told France Info radio the government would do better to target supermarkets where alcohol was sold "to anyone at all".
"We have just had the prohibition on smoking, the fight against alcoholism, noise, hygiene," he said. "We have trained our professionals so that they know not to sell alcohol beyond a certain point," he added.
The comments followed the announcement by Mr Borloo that he planned to present a plan in cabinet that would oblige bars open late at night to provide breathalyser tests to patrons.
"I hope that it will be compulsory in all establishments where drinks are sold," he told France 2 television. "Even if it isn't popular, we won't let up."
The head of another bar and restaurants association welcomed the idea and said members of his association were talking with the manufacturers of the breathalyser tests.
André Daguin, president of the UMIH hotel industry and trades association, said the plan was "a good measure for professionals who will be protected from excessive liabilities".
French radio and television have carried a series of advertisements warning against drinking and driving. There were 4,615 deaths on French roads last year, less than half the numbers seen in the 1990s.
- (Reuters)