(Columbia) Jan. 24, 2003 - About 35 states and Washington DC have a blood alcohol limit of .08, which means alcohol is making up eight-tenths of one percent of your bloodstream. Nationally, supporters of lowering limits to .08 say you're already substantially impaired at that level. Opponents say it criminalizes social drinking.

There's no shortage of alcohol or people on the road on Friday night in downtown Columbia. WIS stopped by Delaney's Pub to talk about the idea of lowering the legal alcohol level.

Glenn Wedding is all for it, "It would give people an opportunity to really think about what they're doing before they get behind the wheel. .10 is way too liberal."
  
Governor Mark Sanford in his State of the State, "Road deaths are about double the national average. By moving to a .08% blood alcohol standard, we can save lives, avoid losing $60 million of federal money, and stay consistent with a conservative philosophy that says your rights end when they begin to infringe upon mine."

The risk of fatal crashes increases significantly at .08 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Braking, steering, judgment and response time are impaired.

The real difference between .08 and .10 is demonstrated by a 170 pound man drinking for one hour. Four drinks and he's about .07. A little more puts him at .08 and one more drink brings him to .10.

Delaney's owner Joe Wilson says lowering the legal limit is a good idea, but, "I think they need to step up the stops and checkpoints and things like that to help curb the drunk driving versus just lowering."

South Carolina is also the only state in the nation still pouring drinks from mini-bottles. Some supporters of lowering the legal limit are also hoping for the repeal of mini-bottles. Mini's are 1.7 ounces, which is usually stronger than a free-pour cocktail.

By Jennifer Miskewicz
Posted 10:48pm by BrettWitt