A study co-authored by HEHTA’s Professor of Medical Statistics, Jim Lewsey, recently gained press attention for showing that a lower drink-drive limit did not have a negative financial impact on establishments’ long-term trade.

The study, led by Stirling University’s associate professor Niamh Fitzgerald, was published in Drug and Alcohol Review, and was funded by the Chief Scientist’s Office, Scotland. It also involved staff from NHS Forth Valley, University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University. It has been widely covered in the national and regional press, including the Herald and ITV.

In 2014, the Scottish Government introduced legislation to reduce the legal alcohol limit for driving from 80mg to 50mg in every 100ml of blood. However, the study found that businesses and customers adapted to the changes and although some bars reported short-term financial impact, profits eventually bounced back.

First published: 28 June 2018

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