During a recent news conference, Pennsylvania Senator John Rafferty said about one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving have done it before. His bill, SB 961, would toughen the state’s DUI laws, and has already passed in the state senate by a wide margin.

The bill currently sits in state house Judiciary Committee.

If passed, Rafferty’s bill creates the first-ever felony DUI in Pennsylvania for a person convicted of DUI a third time with a BAC of .16 or higher as well as anyone convicted of a fourth DUI.

Penalties for killing someone while driving under the influence would also be increased regardless of the driver’s DUI history.

Members of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association should make sure all of their employees are properly trained to serve responsibly and flag patrons when needed. Designated drivers, taxi services, and Uber/Lyft arrangements should be sought.

As a benefit of belonging to the association, Chuck Moran, executive director, encourages members to take advantage of discounts for RAMP training.

“The Tavern Association is always working through member education to be a part of the solution,” said Moran. “No one should ever get behind a wheel of a car after drinking too much, whether they do so at a bar, house party, sporting event, or other activity.”