The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation took an unusual step after an apparently unrepentant drunk driver was released from prison after seven years. He is said to have told the Parole Board of Canada that he would continue to drink and drive. In 2007, the man was convicted of causing two fatalities, those of a 19-year-old woman and her 20-year-old boyfriend, in a 2004 drunken driving crash. The NSLC announced that it would be warning all of its staff about the man, and if the woman’s family’s wishes are honoured, the man’s photograph will be posted in the stores as well.
The man has had restrictions placed on him in an attempt to keep him from being able to buy alcohol and then get behind the wheel. The Utility and Review Board said it that it is considering the unusual step of posting the man’s photograph, and its representative said that this was the first appeal of this kind that he has seen in 26 years on the board. The woman’s father also made the request to Canada’s Alcohol and Gaming Division.
The 55-year-old has been barred from buying, possessing or consuming alcohol or even setting foot anywhere that alcohol can be purchased or consumed. He also is under a lifetime prohibition from driving and has to obey a curfew. The deceased girl’s father said having the man’s photo in bars and liquor stores might help prevent future tragedies, implying that the convicted drunk driver might be expected to violate the prohibitions placed upon him.
The loss of a loved one due to a preventable accident, such as one caused by drinking and driving, is something that parents do not want to think possible. After such an event, a financial settlement may be sought through a wrongful death lawsuit against those who are determined to have been responsible.
Source: CBC, «Drunk driver’s photo sent to liquor store employees«, January 21, 2014