Irish officials rule in favor of moderate drinking and driving.

Think DUI laws are too strict in your town?

Well, Kerry County councillors in Ireland recently voted in favor to allow drivers in rural areas to have a couple of drinks.

If approved by the Minister of Justice, local officials would be able to issue permits allowing residents in remote areas to drink in moderation and drive without any repercussions. The man behind the motion, Danny Healy-Rae states “A lot of these people are living in isolated rural areas where there’s no public transport of any kind, and they end up at home looking at the four walls, night in and night out, because they don’t want to take the risk of losing their license”.

Previously, the law would only allow most drivers to consume a little less than a pint of beer. Now rural dwellers can consume “two or three” alcoholic drinks.

Apparently pubs serve as one of the very few social outlets in isolated parts of Ireland. Hopefully the ruling will keep them in business.

Last year Huron, South Dakota cracked down hard on drivers by issuing a new law. The movement received national attention.

Police officers can ticket drivers who are eating a pizza, burger or any other type of yummy foods. The law also includes any other distraction, like putting on makeup that can cause erratic maneuvering.