Just half a pint of beer could put drinkers over the legal driving limit — if new recommendations to cut the limit are adopted.
A review of the drink-drive limit recommends a cut in the current limit of 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.
The review also recommends removing the right of individuals to request a blood test at the police station rather than take the breathalyser test. The delay can mean some fall back to within the legal limits by the time the test is carried out.
Police may also be given the powers to carry out random breath tests.
The changes could be a further blow for rural community pubs and destination dining venues.
The changes would bring England and Wales into line with the rest of Europe.
However, the review was commissioned by Labour and it is not certain that the new Government would adopt its findings.
Prior to the election, Conservative transport spokeswoman Theresa Villiers said her party would not cut the drink drive limit.
"We do not believe the case has been made to justify such a change. We would focus on enforcement of the current rules."
Trade view
British Beer and Pub Association director of communications Mark Hastings said: "We are pleased the North Report has adopted our recommendations for random breath testing, tough penalties and more rigorous enforcement. These are proven and effective solutions.
"We do though think the rationale for a lower the limit should be more closely examined. Our current system has successfully delivered the safest roads in Europe.
"Experience in the rest of Europe shows that lower limits are accompanied by lower penalties, resulting in a higher level of drink offences, injuries and deaths. We do not want that to happen here."
Director of public health excellence for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Professor Mike Kelly agreed with the proposed reduction.
"Not only could it have a positive impact on those who regularly drink well above the current limit before driving, but it also has the potential to make everyone think twice about having a drink before they decide to drive somewhere."
Pub trade
However, the recommendations come as another blow for pubs.
"It will kill the pub trade," said licensee Gary Mantle, who runs freehold the Wheatsheaf in Maids Moreton, Buckinghamshire.
"I don't see how village pubs can survive. It might be alright for for the big boys in towns, but we won't have a chance."