Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard is seeking amendments to the Road Traffic Legislation Amendment (Disqualification by Notice) Bill 2010 (the Bill).  The Bill addresses druving while under the influence of alcohol.

"Data from the Magistrate's Court show that there were 11,795 charges for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or above in 2008, and that there were only 152 pleas of 'not guilty' entered to these charges," said Dr Woollard.

"In the Government's Bill, people who are caught driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher will immediately be disqualified from driving for two months," said Dr Woollard.

"The amendments I am proposing will mean people who have been caught driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, and had a driving disqualification notice, will also be prohibited from entering licensed premises for the same period."

Dr Woollard indicated that her amendments will not lead to extra work for police officers.

"Police do not follow people around when they lose their licence and would not follow people around to ensure they are not entering licensed premises," said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard's amendments will allow a person who works in the hospitality industry to continue to work in licensed premises.

"I believe the amendments strengthen the Bill proposed by the Government," said Dr Woollard.

"Some people may complain that these amendments may seem 'draconian', but it seems odd that the disqualification from driving on public roads is accepted but that treating the other half of the problem of drink driving, by prohibiting drinking in licensed premises, is seen as being too severe!" said Dr Woollard.

Dr Woollard said she has written to all Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Road Safety Council, the Australian Medical Association (WA) and Healthway for their support.