A North Vancouver bartender tried to make his case to cops last week that "he had to test the drinks" after driving recklessly on the road.
Around 1:20 a.m. on March 20, a North Vancouver RCMP officer was on routine patrol near Marine Drive and Garden Avenue when they witnessed a grey Honda Civic incorrectly travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes.
The driver was reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour while running red lights and swerving across lanes, police said.
The officer eventually caught up to the Honda after the driver slowed down for a red light at Marine Drive and Bewicke Avenue.
When the driver was handed a breathalyzer, he refused to provide a sample.
“It is bad enough that someone would drink and drive, but it is that much worse when they put the lives of other people at risk,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for North Vancouver RCMP in a news release. “The driver’s alleged excuse for drinking and driving was that he is a bartender and had to test the drinks, which is not only irresponsible but incredibly dangerous.”
Police said the driver was arrested for refusing to comply with a lawful demand and issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition. He was also ticketed for excessive speed and driving without consideration, resulting in more than $1,000 in fines and an extra fee for the car being impounded.
RCMP said B.C. has the toughest drinking and driving laws in Canada. If caught driving impaired, drivers can face; suspensions between 24 hours to 90 days; impounded vehicle; fines from $600 to $4,060; jail time; mandatory rehabilitation; and installation of an ignition interlock in your vehicle.
Drivers could also have to pay a risk premium on top of regular auto insurance. If a driver crashes while impaired, police said the driver is likely in breach of insurance policy, meaning they could be responsible for 100 per cent of the costs if they damage someone else’s property or injure them.
“This was a cascade of escalating recklessness,” said Sahak.
