The nascent sober bar industry is gaining in popularity across the nation but not so much in Wisconsin - yet. There are few weekends in cities across the state that do not revolve around a measure of social drinking, but that may change as the idea of sober bars catches on.
Not only is health consciousness driving the trend, but also an increasing awareness regarding the safety and legal concerns that sometimes intersect with alcohol consumption. A drive around the Milwaukee area any Friday or Saturday night tells the tale as law enforcement officers busily stop motorists suspected of drunk driving or, even more serious, deal with the aftermath of an OWI wreck.
Young people in particular, are looking for other options to avoid the pitfalls of a night out on the town. Getting to hang out with friends without the peer pressure of drinking is catching on. College cities like Madison where sober bars are rolling out their newly minted welcome mats offer students revved up Shirley Temples and other mocktails for an evening of fun minus the dreaded traffic stop on the way home or the morning after regrets.
It is a sight for sore eyes for many who have been asking for entertainment and social alternatives that don’t consist of drinking. Wisconsin has earned the unfortunate reputation as one of the drunkest states in the country, ranking as one of the worst states for excessive drinking. Of course, drinking and driving goes right along with the territory and the consequences can be dire.
A look back at 2015 alone reveals that nearly 30,000 people were arrested for OWI in Wisconsin and drunk drivers were involved in over 5,000 crashes. Not surprisingly, given the states ‘tough on drunk driving’ stance, Wisconsin OWI convictions are increasing. Wisconsin DOT records reveal that nearly half a million Wisconites have at least 1 OWI conviction, while others have accumulated anywhere from 2 to a whopping 16 OWI convictions at the close of 2015.
Contact Wisconsin OWI Lawyers for Help
Hopefully the sober bars translate into less problems out on the road – drinking and driving never mix and the state does a good job of rounding up OWI offenders. If you are arrested for Wisconsin OWI the penalties can be severe. It is in your best interests to secure the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to seek a reduction in charges or possibly a dismissal if your rights were violated. There are many defenses to a Wisconsin OWI you may be able to employ - contact the Waukesha drunk driving defense lawyers of Andrew C Ladd LLC for immediate help at 262-542-3900.
