SACRAMENTO — The Senate Governmental Organization Committee on Tuesday killed a watered-down bill aimed at cracking down on drunk driving by restricting "happy hours" and other alcoholic beverage bargains.
The bill also would have banned "two-for-one" drink offers, "all-you-can-drink" promotions, drinking contests with liquor prizes going to the winners, free drinks and other enticements offered by bars to attract patrons.
The sponsor, Sen. Newton R. Russell (R-Glendale), said such promotions "encourage over-consumption of alcoholic beverages in situations where people drink and drive."
Called 'Can of Worms'
The bill was opposed by the California Restaurant Assn., whose representative called it a "real can of worms" that would create "confusion."
