Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government's proposed tightening of drink-drive laws, branding the plan "ridiculous" and a potential "death knell for country pubs across Britain".
Elite Policy vs Rural Reality, Claims Farage
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Farage argued that the policy was "being designed by the Islington, north London, bicycling classes" who fail to understand transport needs in rural Britain. He insisted the current limit, in place since 1967, has worked "pretty effectively" and pointed to the UK's strong road safety record compared to France and Germany.
Under the plans announced on Tuesday, the Government will consult on slashing the legal limit in England and Wales from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms. This would bring it in line with Scotland, where the lower limit was introduced in 2014. The change means that for some drivers, particularly women and smaller individuals, even a single standard drink could risk putting them over the legal threshold.
Pub Industry Warns of 'Perfect Storm'
The row over drink-drive laws compounds what publicans describe as a "perfect storm" of cost pressures. These include significant business rates hikes and increases to the minimum wage, which have left many landlords struggling to survive.
Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Britain's oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, issued a stark warning. "I think there is a real risk that Rachel Reeves is doing to our sector what Margaret Thatcher did to the miners," he told The Times, criticising the policy as "socially, morally and economically wrong".
Chris Jowsey of Admiral Taverns said a tougher limit would be "another blow to rural pubs in particular", while Greene King's Nick Mackenzie warned the Chancellor's tax increases "could be the tipping point that changes the shape of the industry forever." UK Hospitality estimates small venues will face an extra £318 million in rates bills over three years.
Government Insists on Safety and Points to Scotland
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood was forced to deny that the plans aimed to stop people enjoying a "great night out", insisting the vast majority of people are responsible. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander pointed to the Scottish experience, telling LBC: "I'm sorry, but rural pubs still do exist in Scotland. The law changed there in 2014."
The Department for Transport cited studies showing no significant long-term impact on Scottish pubs since the limit was lowered. The proposed change is part of a broader road safety strategy that also includes:
- Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 renewing their licence.
- A stricter, near-zero limit for novice drivers during a two-year probation.
- A minimum learning period of three to six months for new drivers.
- Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Despite government assurances, publicans like Matt Todd of the Wonston Arms near Winchester say they "cannot soak up any more costs when the industry is screaming". As the consultation begins, the battle lines are drawn between road safety ambitions and the survival of a beleaguered rural hospitality sector.
