It is very easy for Utahans to think of us “Liberal Drinkers” as dangers to society. In our ultra-conservative state of one-drink equals death mentality, we are part of the reason our liquor laws are so absurd. However, in the 2 1/2 years the Salt Lake City chapter of Drinking Liberally has been raising a glass to democracy, we have not once had a DUI arrest, car or bicycle accident caused by alcohol consumption, physical aggression break out, or any other such “ill” that even one sip of alcohol might cause reported back to us. Last night proved no different.

For those of you who attended last night’s meet-up of Drinking Liberally, you may have noticed the unusually high number of police officers conveniently located within a one block radius of many downtown bar locations - including the Piper Down. These police officers were protecting society by pulling over folks breaking the law - including Jeremiah and I as we left the Piper Down and failed to use a signal when we pulled away from the curb.

After asking me if I knew why he pulled me over, and me saying no, his next question was had I had anything to drink? That question has NEVER been asked of me when I have been pulled over for a driving infraction in the past (which for the record is not that many times…) and I was honest and said yes, I had a couple beers. He asked me to step out of the car.

I was put through the typical tests — watch me as I move my finger, touch the tip of my finger, walk the straight line, stand on one foot and count, until he finally just gave me a breathalyser test. Of course I passed with flying colors because I am a responsible drinker! I know what my limits are, I know when I need to have a driver. And this same attitude toward drinking and driving has always been displayed at our Drinking Liberally meet-ups. We even have had a member stay at a hotel downtown because they were anticipating drinking more than usual and wanted to be on the safe side.

If I learned anything from last night’s experience, it was that I am a bit conservative in my drinking and driving standard. I came in under .04 (legal limit being .08). Maybe I should write our conservative legislators and thank them for their crack down on drinking and driving on Utah’s streets - because now I know that next time, I can have that extra drink.