Governor Jim Doyle and the Tavern League don’t always get along, but they did Friday, in an effort to combat drunk driving in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Tavern League’s Safe-Ride program is getting additional money, under a law signed by Doyle. “We expect about a thirty percent increase in funding for our Safe Ride programs throughout the state,” said League lobbyist Scott Stenger. “It’s going to be a significant shot in the arm, one more tool to combat drunk driving.”
Under the program, Tavern League members provide free cab rides home for patrons who have had too much to drink. Funding comes from a surcharge on drunk driving convictions. The new law increases the portion of the surcharge which goes to Safe Ride, from fifty percent to eighty percent. “We’ll give then a safe ride home, no questions asked, free of charge.” Stenger said. “It’s often the last decision someone makes to not get in that vehicle.”
John Colbert, WIBA