DUI's

[Floridagal]

There are too many DUI'S here in TV. I wish I had an answer on what can be done. Wherever you go there is "happy hour". Some people don't know when enough is enough.

[Bogie Shooter]

One is too many.
But are there more here than anywhere else?

[sunnyatlast]

Happy Hour used to be an "hour".

Here it's "morning, noon and night".

The bars could at least wait until 5:00 to start Happy Hour. (And this doesn't mean happy hour should be banned, either, as I'm told has been done somewhere in MA if I remember it right).

[dbussone]

Happy Hour used to be an "hour".



Here it's "morning, noon and night".



The bars could at least wait until 5:00 to start Happy Hour. (And this doesn't mean happy hour should be banned, either, as I'm told has been done somewhere in MA if I remember it right).


It's always 5 PM somewhere. [emoji2] (I'm not encouraging excessive drinking.)

[marennorge]

Eh-yup, Massachusetss banned happy hours years ago. Not sure if it reduced DUIs or DWIs, though.

[sunnyatlast]

Eh-yup, Massachusetss banned happy hours years ago. Not sure if it reduced DUIs or DWIs, though.

Yes, I just looked it up and it was 1984. This article did raise some good points as to why they did it, but then, Prohibition had its backlash, too. I put boldface on several things that are unnecessary inducements.

"The ban, one of several steps that Massachusetts has taken lately against alcohol-related accidents, is believed the first such rule to cover an entire state. Many of the regulation's supporters hope the idea will spread.

''I've heard all the horror stories I'm going to listen to,'' said George R. McCarthy, chairman of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, which sponsored the ban. He was referring to several recent cases in which drivers and pedestrians were killed after having been drinking during tavern happy hours.

Part of Wider Movement

The state's new regulation specifically prohibits offering free drinks, discounted drinks or special ''jumbo'' drinks that cost as much as regular drinks. Unlimited numbers of drinks can no longer be offered for a fixed price, and bars are prohibited from sponsoring such promotions as darts or music contests that award alcoholic drinks as prizes. A pitcher of beer can henceforth be sold only to a party of two or more customers.

The Massachusetts ban goes further than rules in other states, yet citizens' groups and liquor authorities in many areas of the country describe happy hours as potentially dangerous. Several states have begun to restrict such promotions. .."
'HAPPY HOUR' BAN STARTS IN MASSACHUSETTS BARS - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/11/us/happy-hour-ban-starts-in-massachusetts-bars.html)

[dbussone]

Eh-yup, Massachusetss banned happy hours years ago. Not sure if it reduced DUIs or DWIs, though.


I'm from MA and in my experience the Happy hour ban did little to limit DUIs. I know people who had numerous judgements against them but still violated the ban to their detriment. My wife and I just stopped associating with them.

[Indydealmaker]

There are too many DUI'S here in TV. I wish I had an answer on what can be done. Wherever you go there is "happy hour". Some people don't know when enough is enough.

I ran across a report that said in 2010 1.41 million people were arrested for DUIs in the U.S. I would say that it is likely, that given our demographic of mostly retired (lots of free time), Villagers are not heavy contributors toward DUIs in Marion, Lake and Sumter. It just seems like it because you are reading about them (finally).

In fact, our three counties are on a par with most of the rest of Florida with a comparatively low DUI rate of approximately 25/yr per 10,000 population.

[PennBF]

The consequences should meet the DUI/DWI acts. Make the fines $1,000 for the first and 3 months in jail, 2nd will get you $5,000 and 1 year in jail the third is going to be at least $25,000 and 10 years. think that may lead to more sensible drinking. You can always have a sober driver and not put others on the road or cart path at risk. Also, make the bars
post these in very big posters so there is an awareness when someone over dirinks and drives. If you look at the bars in the resturants in the squares you know there are quite few that may drive drunk? That can and should be stopped.
If people want to drink (especially when in the senior age category) that should be fine. They just can't put other at risk because they want to get drunk, etc.:wine:

[tedquick]

The bottom line is simply this; if someone wants to drink and drink to excess they will do it whether it begins at happy hour or at whatever point in time during the day they decide to start drinking. The problem drinkers are problem drinkers and not a result of any happy hour specials. And nothing will stop them until they decide to stop. And that's pretty much it. I've had a lifetime of living and being around alcoholics and it is no more simple and no more complicated than what I just wrote.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Easy solution - QUIT DRINKING. If they had seen all the lives broken and carnage from DUI accidents I worked in my career, it wouldn't be hard. DUI is the same mindset as plowing through the Villages gates - total stupidity.

[PennBF]

It is kind of unrealistic to believe people will stop drinking. But if someone was running up the road or on the cart path with a loaded gun and waving it all around you can bet the farm the Police would arrest them and they would face some serious penalty. In Norway, if you get one DUI/DWI they take your drivers licence for life. Someone driving drunk is like waving a loaded gun all around and everyone hoping it does not go off and hit you. Same as driving drunk. Maybe the people in Norway have the answer. I also believe that our Sheriff should have cars outside of the Bars in the squares in the evening and pull over any one that looks under the influence? I bet you will see more sober drivers to take the drunks home. barf

[Chi-Town]

Is there a WCTU club in The Villages? Sounds like there is a need.

[Sandtrap328]

It is kind of unrealistic to believe people will stop drinking. But if someone was running up the road or on the cart path with a loaded gun and waving it all around you can bet the farm the Police would arrest them and they would face some serious penalty. In Norway, if you get one DUI/DWI they take your drivers licence for life. Someone driving drunk is like waving a loaded gun all around and everyone hoping it does not go off and hit you. Same as driving drunk. Maybe the people in Norway have the answer. I also believe that our Sheriff should have cars outside of the Bars in the squares in the evening and pull over any one that looks under the influence? I bet you will see more sober drivers to take the drunks home. barf

Just a little off topic, but what happened to the Villager who stopped his motorcycle and fired several shots into the car in back of him at a stoplight?

Last I heard, he was released on bond.

[Average Guy]

Just a little off topic, but what happened to the Villager who stopped his motorcycle and fired several shots into the car in back of him at a stoplight?

Last I heard, he was released on bond.

According to the online news, he did not appear in court for his arraignment on October 27th. It was rescheduled for Nov. 3rd and he did not show up for that either. Sentencing was set for Dec. 1st.

According to Lady County court records, neither he nor his attorney showed up for the sentencing hearing. It was rescheduled for today, 12/22.

[Bizdoc]

Is there a WCTU club in The Villages? Sounds like there is a need.

I can see it now - someone in a Carrie Nation outfit, swinging an ax at the World of Beer...

[aln]

According to the online news, there's 3 more DUI's this morning! Age range of 37 to 68. The thing is, even at happy hour prices, it's not cheap.

[ugotme]

The bottom line is simply this; if someone wants to drink and drink to excess they will do it whether it begins at happy hour or at whatever point in time during the day they decide to start drinking. The problem drinkers are problem drinkers and not a result of any happy hour specials. And nothing will stop them until they decide to stop. And that's pretty much it. I've had a lifetime of living and being around alcoholics and it is no more simple and no more complicated than what I just wrote.


EXACTLY! People will drink whenever they want!

But why do we always try to "control" the situation? No one takes responsibility anymore. "WE" (whoever that is) must set limitations so "THEY" don't do something. Don't want to see DUI's and accidents but you just can't constantly control people!

[jblum315]

Don't forget that many of the drinkers at Villages bars and pubs are not Villagers. Folks of all ages come from all surrounding areas because this is where the Happy Hours are. I don't know how many bars are in Wildwood or Leesburg but I suspect we have more and purdier ones!

[jblum315]

And no, I don't think The Villages has a WCTU branch. But there are numerous AA meetings every week.

[PaPaLarry]

As old as we are, we can be responsible drinkers!! Meaning, make sure we have a designated driver to take us home. Have your fun, or whatever, but then make sure you don't have the key's for your transportation.

[graciegirl]

The bottom line is simply this; if someone wants to drink and drink to excess they will do it whether it begins at happy hour or at whatever point in time during the day they decide to start drinking. The problem drinkers are problem drinkers and not a result of any happy hour specials. And nothing will stop them until they decide to stop. And that's pretty much it. I've had a lifetime of living and being around alcoholics and it is no more simple and no more complicated than what I just wrote.


I agree.

[TVMayor]

It looks like a lot of people posting think the DUI problem is the fault of the server not the consumer.

[zonerboy]

I could be wrong, but I think there is a subtle attitude among us Villagers that if I'm NOT driving my CAR, I'm not really driving. So I can drink a pitcher or two of beer after golf and drive my golf cart home just fine.
True, cars are much bigger and faster and can cause way more damage, but you are not invulnerable going 20 mph in your golf cart, and you certainly can cause serious injury to others and to yourself.
Think about it.

[Chi-Town]

I can see it now - someone in a Carrie Nation outfit, swinging an ax at the World of Beer...
Bizdoc, you painted such an entertaining picture in my mind that I have to add an image:

[gratefulparrot]

I could be wrong, but I think there is a subtle attitude among us Villagers that if I'm NOT driving my CAR, I'm not really driving. So I can drink a pitcher or two of beer after golf and drive my golf cart home just fine.
True, cars are much bigger and faster and can cause way more damage, but you are not invulnerable going 20 mph in your golf cart, and you certainly can cause serious injury to others and to yourself.
Think about it.

Thanks for posting this. I'm not a villager yet, but plan to next year. I don't drink alot, but I could say that would be my mindset. I'm in a golf cart, what could happen.

[DonH57]

Even though some servers may not be as observant as others, the main fault are the people who don't know when to stop. I noticed reading these dui reports these people are doing stupid things behind the wheel of either a car or golf cart.

[PennBF]

I was surprised to see a reference to the WCTU since I thought all had forgotten this group. Not to get into any discussion on the group. But, we always had the forgotten tramps, alcoholics, etc. stop by our house for food. We were like a magnet for them. One day my sister asked one why they all stopped at our house and he said they had marked an "X" on the curb outside of our house because you could always find a kind hand and the lady of the house always gave them great meals and pie and coffee, etc. That lady was also a member of the WCTU who tried to help the poor and downtrodden. It is a shame to make fun of a group who worked to help the ones that truly needed help. . All we saw were the ones who were hooked on alcohol and their lives were at a terrible stage. Today there is the AA or Counceling, Rehabs, etc. they were not too popular in the old days. We should make penalties high for over drinking, we should help the alcoholic and remember that there by the grace of god......:ho:

[Chi-Town]

When I get home I'm checking my curb.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/dec/03/burglars-code-chalk-marks-wall

[PennBF]

I am sure if the "X" was meant to come back and rob the home they would have been terribly disapointed sine it was a ministers parsonage. They may have been able to rob a few bibles, a few drafts of Sunday sermons, and god forgive some grape juice for communion. Don't think that was their intent? :a040:

[xcaligirl]

Too many people just don't know when to stop or to be sensible enough to have a designated driver. I don't enjoy being the DD most of the time but I'd rather be responsible than behind the wheel intoxicated.... drinking just isn't that important to me. Just my opinion. Of course, there's always the ones who feel rules do not apply to them!

[Yung Dum]

If you're gonna drink, don't drive. Simple. Golf carts don't make it safe or legal.

[Greg Nelson]

My dad used to say 'when the booze goes in the brains go out'

[Chatbrat]

People don't realize it, but golf carts are death traps-they are equipped with zero personal safety equipment.There have been more fatalities in the villages with golf carts than cars.A grandchild of a villager was killed a few years ago when the child was launched from the golf cart. Also; the narrow paths leave very little margin for error. My life is worth more to me, than parking convenience, saving a few $ on gas & insurance. Why risk it if your not golfing?

[scarecrow1]

Is that why we're the friendliest home town????

[2BNTV]

Saw a traffic sign today:

DUI $10,000, Cab $10. :D

[2BNTV]

The bottom line is simply this; if someone wants to drink and drink to excess they will do it whether it begins at happy hour or at whatever point in time during the day they decide to start drinking. The problem drinkers are problem drinkers and not a result of any happy hour specials. And nothing will stop them until they decide to stop. And that's pretty much it. I've had a lifetime of living and being around alcoholics and it is no more simple and no more complicated than what I just wrote.

Alcoholism is more of an emotional problem, in that some people need to get high or drunk, to feel as if, they are having a good time. People who drink too much, need to examine their need to drink, in large amounts.

The first shot and a half is a stimulant and then alcohol becomes a depressant. Too many people drink too fast and are over the edge of sobriety. IMHO

Driving high is the same, as driving drunk.

BTW - Wine coolers have the most amount of alcohol!