Drinking and driving at Queens County SeaFest

The Integrated Impaired Driving Enforcement Unit is a joint effort of RCMP, Bridgewater and Kentville Police Service and the provincial government.

The unit, which has been patrolling Southwest Nova Scotia since its launch in December, has been asked by local law enforcement to help at several festivals and events in the region.

With the pilot project over the half way point, the unit has stopped more than 36,000 vehicles at 216 checkpoints leading to 428 roadside alcohol screening tests. 83 impaired driving charges have been laid, as well as 109 immediate 24-hour licence suspensions.

Queens County SeaFest has also announced it takes its beverage service seriously and has in place a number of measures to impact excessive drinking.

SeaFest offers a Designated Driver program and will provide free pop or water to designated drivers. These drivers will receive a special sticker and will not be served alcohol. Additionally,servers are allowed to serve a maximum of two drinks per order per customer.

Finally, no one who is visibly impaired will be allowed entrance.