This weekend will be a big one for Michigan hoops fans.
We will be watching and celebrating the Wolverine’s trip to the NCAA Final Four Saturday night in San Antonio.
If you are planning to watch the games at local bars or restaurants and indulge in adult beverages, please do so responsibly.
Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth reminds fans of “responsible alcohol consumption. Drinking and driving is putting lives in danger.”
And, “it doesn’t take much to be over the limit,” he said.
There is zero tolerance by the Chelsea Police Department, or any other law enforcement agency, if you are caught drinking and driving.
If police see you driving erratically or suspect you might have had too much to drink, they won’t look the other way. You will be pulled over and you will be asked to exit your vehicle and to perform standard sobriety tests.
If you fail those tests (or have a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater if over age 21 or .02 or greater if under 21) you will be arrested, and you will be asked to have your blood drawn at a local hospital.
And you will end up in jail.
According to the State Police website, costs and consequences of a Drunk Driving Conviction If BAC is below .17 and this is a first offense:
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to 93 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to 180 days license suspension
- 6 points on a driver’s license
If BAC is .17 or higher and this is a first offense:
- Up to $700 fine
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to 360 hours of community service
- Up to one year license suspension
- 6 points on a driver’s license
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment program
So, if you are of age and you choose to drink, Toth recommends you have a sober designated driver with you or call an Uber or Lyft to get you home.
Your future and the safety of those around you depend in it.
Also keep in mind that Chelsea Police make regular safety checks at establishments that serve alcohol, Toth said, adding the officers are looking for patrons who might be over the limit.
Drinking too much could also put your favorite bar or restaurant at risk because they served a customer who is visibly intoxicated.
So, please, cheer loudly, have a great time, support local bars and restaurants, but drink responsibly so you can cheer for the Wolverines in their next game. This fan hopes there will be another one on Monday.
Go Blue.
