New Jersey Cops Target Bars

New tactic in battle with drunk driving

When motorists are arrested for DUI in New Jersey, they are now asked by police where they had been drinking. If the drunk driver identifies a bar or a restaurant that serves alcohol, those businesses could be penalized.

Law enforcement officers across the state enter the information into a database that helps them identify places that may be serving alcohol to those who are intoxicated. Because it is against the law to serve or sell alcohol to someone who is drunk, the state’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control could levy a fine and suspend or even revoke an establishment’s liquor license.

While supporting efforts to reduce drunk driving, the New Jersey Restaurant Association points out that there is little way of verifying the statements of DUI offenders. There are those who could simply lie, and unfairly hurt a restaurant or bar.

The bar identification question will be a part of the statewide police crackdown on drunk driving over the Labor Day holiday.

Tags: DUI |  DUI offenders |  drunk drivers |  drunk driving