September 2009
“Ignition interlocks should be standard equipment on vehicles, the way airbags are today.”

Over the next year and a half, BPAA members have a unique opportunity to affect the debate on one of the most important issues facing the industry and the bowling culture:  the drive to eliminate all responsible social drinking by making in-car breathalyzers, known as ignition interlocks, standard equipment in all cars.

This advanced technology is real. It has the potential to be the gravest threat to the hospitality industry since Prohibition. And I want to stress again—this is not a legislative issue. It is, in the words of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, “a public opinion battle.” 

Interlock technology has effectively been used in the sentencing of “hard core drunk drivers,” high-BAC or repeat offenders who do not respond to public appeals. But anti-alcohol activists have bigger plans for the devices.  

MADD knows that their goal of implementing universal interlocks won’t happen overnight. They are working to build public acceptance of these devices gradually. It is a totally different challenge that has been developing for several years “under the radar.” The strategy includes focusing on state level mandates that will eventually expand to cover all drivers. And they will predictably be set at levels as low as .03—effectively eliminating social drinking.  

A key part of their plan will also be a federal debate over highway funding, where activists are lobbying for a plan that would force states to adopt a state law mandating ignition interlock devices on first offenders or risk losing highway funding. MADD and the Auto Alliance have asked Congress to allocate $30 million annually for research and testing of interlock technology for widespread use. 

The public is still unaware of the looming threat and thus is not yet inclined to object. It is the hospitality industry’s responsibility to help them understand the wide-reaching ramifications of universal ignition interlocks set below .05, and to provide them with the arguments to fight against it. 

In order to fight back against this campaign, BPAA and the hospitality industry must start educating the public about the ultimate goal of MADD, the federal government, auto manufacturers and interlock providers. If we wait to engage the public about universal interlocks, our opposition will have the time they need to normalize the technology in the eyes of the public. Time will effectively neutralize the industry’s most valuable asset: early public opinion. 

In response, BPAA’s Legislative Committee has launched a campaign to push back against efforts to make interlock mandates commonplace. The Committee has agreed to ask the Board of Directors for matching funds for any state association raising $2,600 to help oppose expanded use of these devices. The goal is for the bowling industry to collect $100,000 to fund a targeted public opinion campaign that will educate the public and federal legislators about this plan.  

BPAA’s campaign will show opinion leaders that these devices aren’t appropriate for their millions of responsible customers who would find it impossible to drive home after enjoying even a small amount of alcohol – a beer, a glass of wine, or a mixed drink while bowling. Only the public’s disdain for advanced interlock technology will dissuade car manufactures from building cars with interlocks as standard equipment.  

The bowling industry cannot afford to face de facto prohibition simply because of a failure to manage public opinion. Without your help and leadership on this issue, the debate will be controlled by those who seek to end even the most responsible social drinking.  

Your support for the public opinion campaign will help make a difference in this critical debate. We’ve enclosed a contribution form, but if you have more questions, please contact Kristen Eastlick at Berman and Company, (202) 463-7100.