One of the privileges of working in this area is speaking with dedicated and driven researchers and academics who have literally devoted their lives to helping governments, organisations and individuals deal with the binge drinking menace.
One such individual is Professor Robin Room. Prof Room is Professor of Social Alcohol Research in the School of Population Health of the University of Melbourne and is Director, AER Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre. Prof Room has a list of publications and research papers quite literally longer than this writer’s, right arm. See list here!
In a conversation taking place whilst the Victorian State Government grants yet more liquor licences to yet more vertical drinking spaces, Prof Room was asked:
‘Would a pedestrian 08 limit have an effect on the amount of violence in our city?’
Prof Room stated:
‘If you could bring it in, and if you could effectively enforce it, it would substantially reduce violence in our city. It would substantially reduce the violence.’
Prof Room displayed no hesitation in stating this. None at all. It was clearly an obvious conclusion to a researcher in his field.
Take this on notice. If you want to immediately halt alcohol related violence in your city, innovate an 08 limit.
We need to bring to an end organised binge drinking as soon as humanly possible.
See rationale behind the campaign here
See blog entries, including responses to media articles and government policies here.
As the only Australian Breath Analyser manufacturer that began in 1985, we certainly endorse this innovation.
An 08 control for pedestrians would have a huge impact on the increasing scourge that dominates the week end public domain in city areas.