Alcohol breathalyzing vending machines

enpsycho6287

hi,
im thinking of setting up a small business which would lease alcohol breathalyzing vending machines to establishments like bars and hotels, im after doing everything including getting a few bars to allow me to place the machines in their establishments, im just wondering what do ye think of the idea, good or bad?

the_syco

Ensure that they err on the side of caution. Also, that you are given a new tube to blow into when you pay to use it, or there'll be cold-sores for all.

Southsider1

I suppose they have a certain novelty value but I wouldn't use one. Make sure you have a legal disclaimer on it stating that regardless of whether the user passes or fails the test the "official" one is the ones the Feds use. Otherwise you're open to lawsuits!!

SugarHigh

I seen one in a pub galways and didn't think it was a great idea tbh. Isn't the legal driving so low these days that if you've drank at all you really shouldn't need a test to know you're going to fail. Isn't there also rumors of absolutely zero tolerance being brought in where you are not allowed any alcohol before driving?

Do you already have a company that sells pub machines like those poker games and fag machines?

I can't imagine any business being viable if this was their main product.

Mr. Loverman

I think if it gave you a print out of your score, I would imagine they could make a bit of money in pubs or clubs where groups of lads would use them to see who's the drunkest...

friendface

SugarHigh wrote: »

I seen one in a pub galways and didn't think it was a great idea tbh. Isn't the legal driving so low these days that if you've drank at all you really shouldn't need a test to know you're going to fail. Isn't there also rumors of absolutely zero tolerance being brought in where you are not allowed any alcohol before driving?

Do you already have a company that sells pub machines like those poker games and fag machines?

I can't imagine any business being viable if this was their main product.

I've seen the machine in Galway as well alright, think they had one in Mixers before it closed down? I suppose it's a bit of a novelty but definitely wouldn't see it as a viable business in Ireland.

I agree with SugarHighs point that the limit is now so low that people would not even chance taking a drink when they are driving and if they do, I would think they would stick to just having a single drink to avoid being borderline on the limit. If you are aiming to market this at genuine road-users, I can't see it catching on.

On the other hand, if you are marketing it to pub-goers as a sort of who-is-the-drunkest machine, I'd say there would probably be more customers but still not enough to justify leasing a machine to a pub or club. I think it would also attract criticism if this is who the product is being marketed to. The government and drinks companies try to promote responsible drinking so I can't see any establishment wanting to associate themselves with a device which is being used to compare levels of intoxication.

the_syco

friendface wrote: »

On the other hand, if you are marketing it to pub-goers as a sort of who-is-the-drunkest machine

Look at how the two barman were charged over yer mans death. You may get charged for promoting over-drinking.

As well as that, if someone did pass, and got in a car, drove and either got caught and was charged for drink-driving, or injured someone, you may get charged or sued as your machine said they were "sober". Legal mind-field, tbh.

gerbo88

Sorry to disappoint but i've studied law for the past 6 years and know for a fact that no amount of disclaimers big or small will protect you and the landlord from getting in trouble if a drunk driver passes the breathalyzer.

I know the guarda breathalyzers cost a lot and are callibrated every few days. so unless you were able to keep it as accurate as the guards, which would be costly and time consuming, I really don't think it's a great idea.

My friend asked me about this a year or two ago, so i did a bit of research into it for him,

You could be brought to court if;
a. someone passed the pubs breathalyzer and failed the guards, ie losing their license
b. or even worse if someone passed and then decided to drive,and injured or killed someone as a result.

It could result in a huge law suit!!
Hope this helps

tommyalph

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

I think if it gave you a print out of your score, I would imagine they could make a bit of money in pubs or clubs where groups of lads would use them to see who's the drunkest...

This is very true tried it myself with the lads bit of fun and u could make a lot as the night goes on lol but in regards to whether you could use it as a lawful way to see can u drive i would advise against it. You could put a disclaimer up saying somethin like for entertainment purposes only and does not conform to garda breathalyzers or somethin like that and obviously a big dont drink and drive sign. I think its good for a fun side of things but not for seeing whether i can drive home or not

the_syco

An idea: a machine that says you've had too much to drink?

Drink too much, and the publican can throw you out? :pac: