France Mulls Breathalyzers at Late-Night Bars

Travel Blog  •  Joanna Kakissis  •  05.16.08 | 3:30 AM ET

Interesting move in France. The government may require thousands of clubs, cafes and bars open after 2 a.m. to install Breathalyzers by Jan. 1. Taking the Breathalyzer test would not be mandatory, but politicians are hoping patrons who may have had one too many drinks will voluntarily check their alcohol levels before driving home. The proposal was floated after a rash of drunk-driving accidents. Not everyone is cheering: Some are still reeling from a new smoking ban, and others in the hospitality industry complain Breathalyzers are too expensive.

Related on World Hum:
* France’s Smoking Ban Chokes its Hookah Bars

Tags: Food, Europe, France, News and Briefs

Joanna Kakissis's writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Boston Globe and The Washington Post, among other publications. A contributor to the World Hum blog, she's currently a Ted Scripps fellow in environmental journalism at the University of Colorado in Boulder.


2 Comments for France Mulls Breathalyzers at Late-Night Bars

John M. Edwards 05.16.08 | 7:22 AM ET

Hi Joanna:

Le nouveau beajolais est arrivé!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John M. Edwards

Los Angeles drunk driving attorney 09.10.08 | 1:01 PM ET

I suggest they bring this to America.  When people drink, they often underestimate their impairment. Breathalyzers would certainly help people realize that they may have had one too many to drink, before its too late.

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