The Social Control of Drinking-Driving: An Ethnographic Study of Bar Settings

Rather than being considered merely an illegal act, the drinking-driving phenomenon can be viewed as a form of social behavior, governed by a set of socially shared rules. This article reports a study which identifies these rules through observation of individuals participating in drinking-driving behavior in four different settings: a close-knit neighborhood bar, a neighborhood bar that draws on a larger population, a social club, and "a fairly fashionable watering hole." The study indicates that the particular social and economic environment of the drinking establishment influences drinking-driving behavior. The intimacy of the neighborhood bar allows the bartender to exert control over drinking and assist in finding alternatives to driving. As the practical possibilities for contact with the bartender are reduced, the ability for the drinking establishment to control drinking-driving is lessened. Moreover, the economic reality in all bars—the need to sell drinks—takes precedence over controlling drinking- driving. Alternative countermeasures which take into account these social rules of drinking-driving are suggested as preferable policy developments.     

The Environment: A Winner for the Liberal Democrats?

While the Liberal Democrats have a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability and have over the years developed a range of policies acclaimed by the green NGOs, there remain doubts about the depth of that commitment. In particular, the party's local government environmental record is not notably better than its rivals. With the Conservatives and others now heavily promoting their green credentials, the Liberal Democrats face the dilemma of either being outflanked on the green reputation front or having to adopt much tougher policies that some in the party believe will lose votes. The author argues that one course of action would be to seek cross-party support for achieving agreed environmental targets supported by a menu of tough policies to be introduced if those targets are missed.