The Lagos State Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps have raised concerns over increased establishment of beer parlours in Lagos.
The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said the state was worried because there was also an increase in the record of alcohol-induced crashes in the state.
Bamigbetan spoke at the commencement of the 2018 Don’t Drink and Drive campaign in Ikeja, a statement said on Sunday.
“Bamigbetan said the level of consumption increased daily with the establishment of restaurants and bar in every part of the state.
“He noted that establishment, aided by peace and harmony in Lagos, has made alcoholic consumption in the state a daily routine.
“He stressed that the new level of alcohol consumption rate has justified a report released by a market research data group, Global Data (formerly Canadean) recently, estimating five per cent annual growth rate.
“The commissioner argued that the state government was not frowning on the establishment, but those who patronise them should not drive or engage in any activity that could endanger other residents’ lives and property,” the statement added.
The Lagos Sector Commander, FRSC, Hyginus Omeje, reportedly said the level of alcohol consumption made the agency to deploy the seven breathalysers donated to it across the state.
Omeje added that any vehicle which its driver tested positive to alcohol would be impounded immediately to ensure safety of lives and property in the state.
Earlier, the acting General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Eyitayo Akanle, said to sensitise motorists to the negative effect of drunk driving, 10 billboards had been placed on major roads within the state