A popular B.C. restaurant chain is fighting back against new tough drinking and driving laws by introducing a signature low alcohol drink menu.
Cactus Club Café said it is bringing in new half shot cocktails and lower alcohol beers in response to consumer wariness over B.C.'s new drunk driving rules, which are now the toughest in all of Canada.
"There's a lot of customer confusion," bar operations manager Sam Zavari told ctvbc.ca.
Under new B.C. rules, drivers found with a blood alcohol level above .08 will be handed a 90-day driving ban. Those between .05 and .08 face a three-day ban and fine.
Zavari -- who estimates beer, alcohol and wine sales have dropped around 20 per cent since the new rules took effect -- said customers are unsure about how much alcohol they can consume in the restaurant and safely remain under the limit.
"A lot of people don't fully understand what the law means so they're shying away from having that second drink," he said. "We're confident this new menu will help our guests."
The new choices include a half shot Brazilian, a muddled kiwi and lime take on Brazil's national beverage, the Caipirinha. Guests can also try a Cohiba, a low alcohol mojito, or a half booze Caesar. Prices are around $2.50 to $3.00 less than the traditional cocktail.
Its North Burnaby location introduced the new options Friday, with five other locations, including Coquitlam, Market Crossing in Burnaby, Kelowna and Park Royal, joining today.
Zavari said he wouldn't be surprised if more restaurants follow their lead.
"Obviously these new penalties are affecting the industry so we'll see change soon."
Cactus Club Café says it will consider rolling out the revamped beverage menu in all of its locations if diner feedback is positive.
Ian Tostenson, president of the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, told ctvbc.ca he's seeing restaurants taking creative measures to draw in customers in what he calls an uncertain time.
"Some restaurants are starting to talk about limousine services and that's great. The consumer is kind of scared right now and they need a great reason to get out to the restaurants."
Restaurants participating in a dining event in Yaletown are among the industry leaders doing their best to convince consumers they shouldn't stay home because of lower liquor limits.
The Yaletown Business Improvement Association has given $10,000 in taxi vouchers to the 26 participating restaurants in its Taste of Yaletown event to distribute to guests to ensure diners can enjoy their experience – and also get home safely.
"We said, ‘look, let's make this easy.' Come down and enjoy a beautiful meal, pair it with a beautiful wine or cocktail and we'll give you the designated driver," said the YBIA's Annette O'Shea.
