Police in Woodstock have joined the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario's (AGCO) 'Last Drink Program.'
The program, which began as a pilot project in 2011, is designed to help reduce impaired driving across the province.
Woodstock police Insp. Darren Sweazey says, “We take every opportunity we can to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving...
"It’s important to stress the importance of the responsible consumption and responsible sale of alcohol. The Last Drink Program helps us to do just that.”
As part of the program, Ontario police forces let the AGCO know about alcohol-related driving offences where the driver names a licenced establishment as the last place they had a drink.
The AGCO uses the information to identify opportunities to work with licencees to help them improve their ability to follow regulations through education.
The Last Drink Program is in use by all OPP detachments and 20 municipal and regional police services, including London police, but some still have reservations.
Erin Tizzard, manager of the Charles Dickens Pub, has been in the bar business for 17 years and says, "I think it is unfair, we do our best to police everything here. Circumstance happen and people don't always tell the truth especially if they've been drinking."
Norman Peel, a lawyer and former bar owner, says the program can be effective, but bar owners could have legitimate complaints if they believe they've been unfairly targeted.
"If people have been shovelled into taxis and they get out and they go and they drive and they get caught, and the pub owner is on the hook because they basically gave the last drink and that's not fair."
But, he adds that the program was likely established because there is an awareness that there are some 'bad places' who will continue to serve to those who are already intoxicated.
