Know Your Limits and have no fears with festive beers

Kiwis planning on enjoying a drink this summer have nothing to fear from the lower drink-drive limit if they follow a simple rule of thumb.

Hospitality New Zealand’s Know Your Limits campaign promotes a rule of thumb guide that shows men can consume three standard drinks over two hours and remain under the lower 250mcg drink-drive limit. Women can safely enjoy two standard drinks over a two-hour period.

“Kiwis are celebrating the end of the year and seeing the New Year in with friends, family and workmates,” says Hospitality NZ spokesman Adam Cunningham.

“Many of us will do that while enjoying a couple of drinks – at the weekend barbeque, after work, at the office Christmas function and at New Year celebrations. In many cases people will be driving to or from these sorts of events, so it’s really important we all clearly know the limits.”

Backed by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR), the rule of thumb was developed by Hospitality NZ to clear up widespread public confusion around policing of the lower drink-drive limit.

Launched a month ago, Hospitality NZ’s Know Your Limits campaign had already had a big impact.

“The feedback from our more than 2400 members has been overwhelmingly positive, not just for the industry itself but, most importantly, for members of the public,” said Mr Cunningham.

“People are already more informed and that means they’re able to make responsible choices on consumption, whether they’re having a drink at a bar, restaurant or at home.

“The fact is that the law purposely gives us a little latitude to enjoy a drink or two and the science supports it – Kiwis can enjoy a drink and remain under the lower drink-drive limit.”

The campaign had also highlighted that the “standard drinks” measure was resonating with Kiwis.

“Responsible people understand what constitutes a standard drink. All bottles, cans and casks of alcoholic drinks are clearly labelled with how many standard drinks they contain.”

In the case of beer, a standard drink equates to: a 500ml pint of 2.5% alcohol-by-volume (ABV), a 330ml stubbie of 4% ABV beer), or a 250ml glass of 5% ABV beer.

Mr Cunningham said people who were well-informed and drank responsibly had nothing to fear.

“That’s the majority of Kiwis. Follow the rule of thumb, check your standard drinks, and you'll have the right tools to stay under the limit this summer.”

The Know Your Limits campaign is supported by the Brewers’ Association and responsible consumption education initiative Cheers!

Detailed information about standard drinks can be found at www.cheers.org.nz.

ENDS

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