DA Targets Bartenders To Help Stop Drunk Driving On New Year's Eve
BOSTON (CBS) - Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey is pushing a strong message this weekend to bartenders: Watch what you're pouring into that glass, and more importantly, watch who you're handing it to.
He's distributed signs that are now up at 800 bars and restaurants participating in a campaign to remind bartenders not to over-serve.
"We really want to reach out to the people that are on the front lines," says Morrissey. "The bartenders, the waiters, the waitresses…their actions can go a long way to serving a life."
It's a message that hits home after a fatal accident in the same county early Friday morning.
The District Attorney says the woman behind the wheel was celebrating at her boyfriend's 50th birthday party before she crashed in Wrentham. He died in the seat next to her. Prosecutors are now considering drunk driving charges.
The signs that tell servers to "observe, don't overserve," were paid for with money investigators confiscated from convicted drug dealers.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager reports
New Hampshire State Police are also sending a message, urging drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before ringing in the new year.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports
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State Troopers are beefing up patrols statewide to be on the lookout for drivers who may be alcohol or drug-impaired and their asking the public to do the same and to report erratic drivers.
New Hampshire State Police Sgt. Matt Shapiro says revelers should pick a sober designated driver ahead of time, call a taxi, a sober friend or relative to drive you home safely.
WBZ-TV's Christina Hager contributed to this report.
