Press Releases
Restaurant Trade Group Denounces Senate-Passed Plan to Place Alcohol Detectors in All Cars
ABI Urges Congress to Reject Highway Bill Provisions Designed to End Social Drinking in AmericaMarch 19, 2012
House Transportation Bill Eliminates States’ Authority on Interlock Use and Will Cost Over $432 mill
American Beverage Institute Says Congressional Interlock Mandate is the First Step Toward Getting InJanuary 31, 2012
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over eight thousand of America’s favorite family restaurants, denounced the House Transportation Reauthorization Bill which would require that all 50 states mandate ignition interlocks – in-car breathalyzers – as punishment for low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time DUI offenders. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a press conference about this bill today at 3:00pm.
Restaurant Group Urges Florida to Reject Costly Interlock Expansion
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Interlocks in All CarsABI Says Mandate is tJanuary 31, 2012
Restaurant Group Urges Pennsylvania to Reject Costly Interlock Expansion
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Interlocks in All CarsOctober 18, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 240 Pennslyvnia restaurants, urged legislators to reject S 1184, which would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders. The bill is being considered today at 10 AM in the Senate Transportation Committee. ABI urged lawmakers to amend the bill to include only first-time offenders with BACs greater than .15 percent and repeat offenders.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Receives Another "D" from Charity Rating Guide
Costly Fundraising Practices and Lack of Attention to Victim Services Earn MADD Low GradeAugust 24, 2011
WASHINGTON – The American Institute of Philanthropy’s (AIP) Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report has given Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) a “D” rating on a A-F scale in its August 2011 report.
Restaurant Group Denounces House Bill that Aims to Put Alcohol Detectors in All Cars
ABI Urges Congress Reject Proposal To Eliminate Responsible Consumption of Alcohol Prior to DrivingJune 27, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 8,000 American restaurants, criticized Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for introducing the ROADS SAFE Act, which would provide $60 million for the development of alcohol detection devices to be installed as standard equipment on all cars in the near future.Rep. Capito’s bill is a companion to identical legislation introduced in March by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Bob Corker (R-TN).
Rest. Group calls Breathalyzer & Checkpoint Bills Distractions from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Urges General Assembly to Amend LegislationApril 11, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 580 Texas restaurants, urged the General Assembly to reject ignition interlock bill HB 473 and checkpoint bill HB 439, which are being heard today in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee at 10:30am. The bills would, respectively, mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time drunk driving offenders and allow police to set up sobriety checkpoints.
Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Alcohol Detectors in All CarsMarch 15, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing 340 Georgia restaurants, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bill SB41, which passed the Senate Special Judiciary Committee Friday. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Restaurant Group Denounces Senate Bill that Aims to Put Alcohol Detectors in All Cars
March 10, 2011ABI Urges Congress to Reject Proposal That Would Eliminate Responsible Consumption of Alcohol Prior to Driving
Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Alcohol Detectors in All CarsFebruary 9, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing 95 Kentucky restaurants, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bill HB58, which passed the House floor yesterday. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Restaurant Trade Association Urges Nebraska to Reject Misguided Drunk Driving Proposal
ABI Opposes Efforts to Require Ignition Interlock Devices Before ConvictionJanuary 7, 2011
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) urged Nebraska lawmakers to reject calls by Attorney General Jon Bruning and Speaker Mike Flood for a new law requiring the use of ignition interlocks by drivers awaiting trials for drunk driving offenses.
New Government Report Confuses Dangerous Drunk Driving with Legal Drinking and Driving
NHTSA Survey Uses Unreliable, Self-Reported Data to Lay Groundwork for Anti-Alcohol LawsAugust 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association, criticized a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report on ‘drinking and driving.’
Mothers Against Drunk Driving Downgraded to a ‘D’ by Charity Rating Guide
Poor Fundraising Practices and Too Little Focus on Victim Services Earn MADD Low GradeJuly 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – The American Institute of Philanthropy’s (AIP) Charity Rating Guide & Watchdog Report has downgraded Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to a “D” rating on a A-F scale in its August 2010 report.
Restaurant Group to Sen. Schumer: Alcohol Detectors Don’t Belong in All Cars
July 8, 2010WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 8,000 American restaurants including over 230 in New York, criticized Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) for driving a movement to mandate alcohol detection devices in all cars.
Restaurant Group Says Alcohol Detectors Don’t Belong in All Cars
Urges Cong. to Reject Proposal That Would Eliminate Responsible Consumption of Alc. Prior to DrivingMay 26, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 8,000 American restaurants, criticized Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) for driving a movement to mandate alcohol detection devices in all cars.
Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Interlocks in All CarsMarch 23, 2010
Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 95 Kansas restaurants, urged the state Senate to amend ignition interlock bill SB368, which just passed the House. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
RI: Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Interlock Mandate is the First Step in MADD Campaign To Put Interlocks in All CarsMarch 4, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bill SB2065, which is being heard this afternoon. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
VA: Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Interlock Mandate is the First Step in MADD Campaign To Put Interlocks in All CarsMarch 4, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 290 Virginia restaurants, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bill HB1197, which is being heard this afternoon. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
MN: Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Interlocks in All CarsMarch 2, 2010
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing 140 Minnesota restaurants, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bills SF2741 and HF3106, which are being heard in the Senate Transportation Committee and the House Public Safety and Oversight Committee today at 12:30pm and 1pm, respectively. These bills would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
MD: Restaurant Group calls Interlock Bill a Costly Distraction from the Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Says Mandate is the First Step in Campaign to Put Interlocks in All CarsFebruary 25, 2010
Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), a restaurant trade association representing over 150 Maryland restaurants, urged the state legislature to amend ignition interlock bill SB564, which is being heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee this afternoon. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of all drunk drivers – even low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Lautenberg-Udall Bill Eliminates States’ Authority on Interlock Use and Will Cost Over $432 million
ABI Says Congressional Interlock Mandate is the First Step Toward Getting Interlocks in All CarsDecember 21, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents thousands of American restaurants, denounced a Senate bill which would require that all 50 states mandate ignition interlocks – in-car breathalyzers – as punishment for low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time DUI offenders. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Senators Lautenberg and Udall will hold a press conference about this bill today at 1:30pm.
New York Should Amend Ignition Interlock Mandate in Drunk Driving Reform Bills
Interlock Law Would Cost New York Over $19 million Per Year to EnforceNovember 17, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 230 New York restaurants, urged the State Legislature to reconsider a proposed law that would mandate the installation of ignition-locking breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
ABI Urges Transportation Committee to Amend Expensive, Misguided Breathalyzer Bill
ABI Letter Urges Legislators to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillOctober 6, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 120 Massachusetts restaurants, sent a letter to the Joint Transportation Committee urging its members to amend SB1925 – an ignition interlock bill – which will be heard before the Committee at 11am this morning.
Restaurant Trade Association Urges Gov. Schwarzenegger to Veto Interlock Bill
Letter to Gov. Says Ignition Interlock Pilot Program Will Cost California at Least $22.5 millionOctober 1, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 700 California restaurants, sent a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger urging him to veto AB91 – an ignition interlock pilot program.
Restaurant Trade Association Urges Transportation Committee to Amend Highway Bill Interlock Mandate
American Beverage Institute Letters Call on Committee to Amend Interlock Requirement Before VotingSeptember 21, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents thousands of American restaurants, sent letters to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee urging the members to amend a component of the Highway Bill draft which would require that all 50 states mandate ignition interlocks - in-car breathalyzers - as punishment for all drunk driving offenders.
New York Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges New York Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BSeptember 10, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 200 New York restaurants, urged the New York State Senate to amend ignition interlock bill SB27 which could be voted on today. Senator Charles Fuschillo has announced plans to force a vote on this bill – which would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders – during the Senate’s special session today.
ABI Warns: California Cannot Afford to Enforce Ignition Interlock Pilot Program
Funding Concerns are One More Reason Why the Legislature Shouldn’t Pass AB91September 9, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today, the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 700 California restaurants, warned the state legislature that California cannot afford to enforce AB91 – the ignition interlock pilot program which the Assembly will be voting on today. Based on estimates from the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), it would cost California at least $22.5 million per year to ensure that offenders in Los Angeles, Alameda, Sacramento and Tulare counties comply with the interlock mandate.
Restaurant Trade Association Says MADD Maryland is Wrong to Call for Interlocks for All Offenders
University of Maryland Survey Shows that Residents Don’t Support Interlocks for First-Time OffendersSeptember 9, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today, the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 150 Maryland restaurants, criticized the Maryland chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for pushing an ignition interlock mandate for all offenders when the majority of residents do not support such a measure.
ABI Asks: Why Would MADD Oppose Obama's Beer Summit?
MADD's Opposition to Beers at the White House Exposes Group's Anti-Alcohol SentimentAugust 3, 2009
Washington -- Today, the American Beverage Institute (ABI) criticized Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for publicly lamenting that President Obama chose to hold a “Beer Summit” in an effort to cool tensions between the gentlemen involved in the recent police incident in Cambridge.
ABI Urges California Senate to Amend Ignition Interlock Bill
Low-BAC, First-Offender Mandates are a Step Toward Universal InterlocksJuly 7, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 700 California restaurants, urged the Senate Committee on Public Safety to amend ignition interlock bill AB91 which is being heard at 9am today. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders in three of California’s most populous counties - Los Angeles, Alameda, and Sacramento.
Highway Bill Eliminates States’ Authority on Interlock Use
American Beverage Institute Says Congressional Interlock Mandate is the First Step Toward Getting Interlocks in All CarsJune 19, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents thousands of American restaurants, denounced a component of the Highway Bill which would require that all 50 states mandate ignition interlocks as punishment for low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders. Ignition interlocks are in-car breathalyzers that measure a driver’s blood alcohol concentration. If a breath sample registers above a pre-set level, the engine will not start.
New Jersey Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges New Jersey Legislature to Amend Interlock Bill to Apply Only to High-BAC and Repeat OffendersJune 8, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents 220 New Jersey restaurants, urged the Assembly Judiciary Committee to amend ignition interlock bill AB3073, which is being heard this morning. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
ABI Warns the Public: Auto Manufacturers Want Alcohol Sensors in Your Car
American Beverage Institute Urges Congress to Reject Proposal That Would Eliminate Responsible Consumption of Alcohol Prior to DrivingMay 19, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents thousands of American restaurants, criticized the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers for supporting a movement to mandate ignition interlocks in all American cars.
Texas Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Texas State Senate to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMay 14, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents over 1100 Texas restaurants, denounced ignition interlock bill HB4061 which passed the Texas House yesterday and will now be heard in the State Senate. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Ohio Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Low-BAC, First-Offender Bill Isn’t Addressing the Real Drunk Driving ProblemMay 12, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB78 which is being heard at 10:30am tomorrow before the House Criminal Justice Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
North Carolina Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges North Carolina Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMay 6, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI), which represents 289 North Carolina restaurants, denounced ignition interlock bill HB1489which is being heard at 11am today before the Committee on Science and Technology. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
New York Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges New York Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMay 5, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill SB27 which is being heard at 12:30pm today before the Senate Transportation Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
California Urged to Reject Sneaky Ignition Interlock “Pilot Program” Bill
American Beverage Institute Says Pilot Program is a Scheme to Mandate Interlocks for Low-BAC, First-Offenders throughout CaliforniaApril 13, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill AB91 which is being heard at 9am tomorrow before the Assembly Public Safety Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders in four of California’s most populous counties - Los Angeles, San Diego, Alameda, and Sacramento.
Texas Breathalyzer Bills Blow Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Texas Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillsApril 6, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bills HB379, HB1110, and HB4061 which are being heard at 2pm today before the House Public Safety Committee. These bills would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Kansas Should Reject Sneaky Move by the State Legislature to Advance Breathalyzer Bill
American Beverage Institute Urges Kansas Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMarch 27, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill SB95 which was just passed by the House Judiciary Committee, essentially eliminating a public hearing of the bill in the State Senate. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Pennsylvania Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Rep. Clymer’s Low-BAC, First-Offender Bill Isn’t Addressing the Real Drunk Driving ProblemMarch 24, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB639 which is being heard at 9am tomorrow before the House Transportation Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Ohio Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Ohio Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMarch 20, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB78 which was just introduced by state Rep. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Pennsylvania Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Rep. Clymer’s Low-BAC First Offender Bill Isn’t Addressing The Real Drunk Driving ProblemMarch 18, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB639 before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives which would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders. This morning, Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks County) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be speaking at 11am in the Capitol Media Center in Harrisburg in support of this wrongheaded bill.
Hawaii Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Hawaii Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMarch 18, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB981 which is being heard today at 1:45pm HST in the Senate Transportation and International Affairs Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Maryland Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Maryland Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillMarch 5, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB1217 which is being heard at 1pm today before the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
MADD Wrong on Mandatory Breathalyzers for Indiana
American Beverage Institute Says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Proposal is Ineffective and Targets the Wrong PeopleFebruary 18, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced a proposal that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pushing in Indiana that mandates the installation of ignition interlock breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Maryland Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Maryland Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillFebruary 17, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill SB735 which is being heard at 1pm today before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Kansas Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Kansas Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillFebruary 11, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB2315 which is before the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Kentucky Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Kentucky Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillFebruary 10, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB180 which is before the House Judiciary Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
MADD Manipulates Numbers in Ignition Interlock Poll
American Beverage Institute Says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Has a History of Juking the StatsFebruary 3, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) criticized Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for manipulating the results of a Parade Magazine poll that posed the question: Should ignition interlocks be mandatory for drunk drivers nationwide? Over the weekend, MADD sent an email to thousands of their supporters urging them to vote ‘Yes,’ making an already unscientific poll an even more unreliable indicator.
Connecticut Breathalyzer Bills Blow Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges Connecticut Legislature to Reject Low-BAC, First-Offender Interlock BillsJanuary 27, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bills SB151, SB691, and SB732 which are currently being considered by the Transportation and Judiciary Committees. These bills would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
New Jersey Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Urges New Jersey Legislature to Amend Interlock Bill to Apply Only to High-BAC and Repeat OffendersJanuary 26, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill SB1926 which is being heard today by the New Jersey Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs Committee. This bill would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
Ortiz Wrong on Mandatory Breathalyzers for New Yorkers
American Beverage Institute Says State Assemblyman's Bill is Ineffective and Targets the Wrong PeopleJanuary 23, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced radical legislation proposed by Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn), which would require every driver in New York to pass an alcohol breath test before starting a car.
MADD Wrong on Mandatory Breathalyzers for Mississippi
American Beverage Institute Says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Proposal is Ineffective and Targets the Wrong PeopleJanuary 21, 2009
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced a proposal that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pushing in Mississippi: mandating the installation of ignition interlock breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Keeping drunks off Texas roads
October 11, 2008Texas' dubious distinction of having the highest number of alcohol-related crash deaths in the nation has prompted some advocates to look toward legislative solutions, including the potential resurrection of a pair of deterrents.
Pennsylvania Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Rep. Clymer’s Low-BAC First Offender Bill Isn’t Addressing The Real Drunk Driving ProblemOctober 7, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill HB2019 before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives which would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders. This morning, Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks County) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will be speaking in the Capitol Rotunda in support of this wrongheaded bill.
Dallas Morning News cites ABI on MADD's push in Texas
October 1, 2008Those pushing for heftier drunken-driving regulations are hoping that a slew of recent headlines and growing community outrage will trigger the momentum they need to pass two bills that stalled in the Texas Legislature.
Governors Highway Safety Association Wrong on Mandatory Breathalyzers
American Beverage Institute Says GHSA Proposal is Ineffective and Targets the Wrong PeopleSeptember 8, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced a proposal that the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is pushing for this week at its annual meeting in Scottsdale which would mandate the installation of ignition interlock breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
Fort Worth Star Telegram: MADD pushing again for sobriety checkpoints and ignition lock devices
September 7, 2008Two bills that failed during the last Texas legislative session are getting renewed focus from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
MADD Wrong on Sobriety Checkpoints and Mandatory Breathalyzers for Texas
American Beverage Institute Says Mothers Against Drunk Driving Proposals are Ineffective and Target the Wrong PeopleSeptember 5, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced two proposals that MADD is pushing for Texas: implementing sobriety checkpoints and mandating the installation of ignition interlock breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
MADD’s Push for Breathalyzers Blows Wisconsin’s Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Interlocks for Low-BAC, First-Time Offenders Won’t Address The Real Drunk Driving ProblemAugust 18, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) call to mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration), first-time offenders.
Green Bay Press Gazette runs Guest Column: Let driver punishment fit drinking crime
August 17, 2008Wisconsin fines speeders between $30 and $300 depending on how fast they were travelling — the higher the speed, the higher the fine. The rest of the state's traffic violations follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But the Green Bay Press-Gazette editorial board is pushing for the Legislature to change that ("The solutions start with each of us," Aug. 3).
Greenville News Editorial Wrong on Interlocks
August 15, 2008Your recent editorial "DUI law: stronger treatment and penalties" is off base on two key points: its push for ignition interlocks for all offenders and its recommendation for increasing the use of sobriety checkpoints in South Carolina.
Courier-Post Publishes ABI Ignition Interlocks piece
July 20, 2008New Jersey fines any driver speeding five mph over the limit $85. And those caught traveling 20 mph over owe $200. The rest of the state's traffic offenses follow the same theme: the severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a new bill before the state Legislature aims to change that.
Buffalo News runs ABI Op-ed: 'State should let the punishment fit the crime'
June 6, 2008New York fines a driver speeding 5 mph over the limit $90. A driver caught speeding over 30 mph can owe up to $600. The rest of the state’s traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a new bill before the State Legislature aims to change that.
Syracuse Post-Standard runs interlocks Op-ed: 'Going Too Far'
May 30, 2008New York fines a driver speeding 5 mph over the limit $90. A driver caught speeding over 30 mph can owe up to $600. The rest of the state's traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a new bill before the state Legislature aims to change that.
Orange County Register runs interlocks Op-ed: 'California Focus: Drunken driving bill goes too far'
May 29, 2008California fines for speeding range from $220 to $1,000 depending on how fast the driver was going. The rest of the state's traffic offenses follow the same theme: the severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a bill before the state Legislature aims to change that.
Detroit Free Press covers Ignition Interlock Ad
May 22, 2008He just finalized his divorce and now Kiefer Sutherland turns up where he probably doesn't want to be. (No -- not in Barbara Walters' autobiography!)
World Entertainment News Network covers Ignition Interlock Ad
May 20, 2008Actor Kiefer Sutherland and rocker Billie Joe Armstrong have been named and shamed in a new drunk-driving-inspired advertising campaign.
Associated Press writes story on ABI Interlock Ad
Lindsay Lohan mugshot used in liquor industry ad By DERRIK J. LANGMay 5, 2008
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lindsay Lohan is not exactly toasting her latest public appearance.
MTV News covers Ignition Interlock ad
May 2, 2008If you picked up a copy of USA Today on Friday (May 2), you might have been thrown off by a full-page ad with the big, bold headline, "Ignition interlocks — A good idea for," above the infamous post-DUI-arrest mug shot of Lindsay Lohan. The next line reads, "But a bad idea for us," over a series of pictures of a happy bride and groom toasting each other, some smiling young adults hoisting their brews and martinis, and three pals clinking beers over a meal.
USA Today covers ABI's position in Ignition Interlock debate
Front Page ArticleApril 15, 2008
High-tech efforts against drunken driving are intensifying around the USA as more states adopt or consider laws requiring first-time offenders to equip their vehicles with devices that prevent operation by intoxicated people.
Another USA Today covers ABI's position in Ignition Interlock debate
April 15, 2008Belva Howard didn't know that South Carolina had one of the nation's weakest drunken-driving laws or that 40% of traffic deaths in her state involve legally intoxicated drivers. She didn't know that people suspected of driving under the influence could refuse to take a breath test and risk only a three-month license suspension.
Restaurant Trade Association Urges Governor Palin to Veto Breathalyzer Bill
American Beverage Institute Says Alaska’s Low-BAC First Offender Bill Won’t Address the Real Drunk Driving ProblemApril 14, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced legislation awaiting Governor Palin’s signature that would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
California Breathalyzer Bill Fails to Target Real Drunk Driving Problem
ABI Testifies Against California's Low-BAC First Offender Breathalyzer BillApril 9, 2008
WASHINGTON – Today the American Beverage Institute (ABI) denounced ignition interlock bill AB2784 which would mandate the installation of breathalyzers in the cars of low-BAC (blood alcohol concentration) first-time offenders.
Nebraska Legislature approves ignition locks for drunken drivers
Omaha World Herald cites ABI concerns with First Offender Interlock BillApril 8, 2008
LINCOLN - First- and second-offense drunk drivers would be required to drive cars equipped with ignition interlock devices under a measure given 43-0 final approval Tuesday by the Legislature.
DUI proposal's restrictive nature alarming
ABI Op-ed in Anchorage Daily NewsApril 3, 2008
Alaska fines a driver speeding 5 mph over the limit $40. A driver caught speeding 20 mph over can owe more than $240.
Will cars regulate our drinks?
ABI Op-ed in Philadelphia Daily NewsMarch 31, 2008
SOME Pennsylvania counties fine a driver speeding 5 mph over the limit $35. A driver caught speeding over 20 mph owes more than $65. The rest of the state's traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment. But a new bill before the state Legislature aims to change that.
Lawmakers consider DUI breathalyzer bill
ABC affiliate in Sacramento covers California interlock bill, quotes Managing DirectorMarch 28, 2008
State lawmakers took up a bill today to crack down on first-time drunk driving offenders -- it would install breathalyzers in their cars.
Breathalyzer Device Issue Raises Concerns
ABC Affiliate in Bakersfield cites ABI concerns with interlock billMarch 27, 2008
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- First time DUI offenders may have to install an interlock Breathalyzer device in their cars. The pending bill has many concerned on both sides of the issue.
Tennessee Breathalyzer Bills Blow Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says Tennessee’s Low-BAC First Offender Bills Aren’t Addressing The Real Drunk Driving ProblemMarch 27, 2008
American Beverage Institute Says Tennessee’s Low-BAC First Offender Bills Aren’t Addressing The Real Drunk Driving Problem
Anti-drinking measure goes over the line
Op-ed published in Bergen County RecordMarch 25, 2008
The proposed measure would punish drivers charged with driving just a sip over the limit. NEW JERSEY fines a driver speeding 5 mph over the limit $10. A driver caught speeding more than 20 mph over the limit owes $200. The rest of the state's traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment.
When it Comes to Drunken Driving in Florida, Let Punishment Fit the Crime
ABI Op-ed in Orlando SentinelFebruary 4, 2008
Florida fines a driver speeding 6 mph over the limit $25. A driver caught speeding over 26 mph owes $150. The rest of the state’s traffic offenses follow the same theme: The severity of the crime determines the severity of the punishment.
Washington Breathalyzer Bill Blows Drunk Driving Fight Off Course
American Beverage Institute Says MADD’s Solutions Don’t Address The Real Drunk Driving ProblemJanuary 24, 2008
WASHINGTON – Two bills before the Washington state legislature – one mandating breathalyzers be installed in cars of first-time offenders and the second promoting the use of sobriety checkpoints – were denounced today by the American Beverage Institute (ABI).