An alcohol mindset expert has issued a stark warning to festive revellers, completely dismantling the commonly held belief in a so-called 'two-pint rule' for drivers.
The Dangerous Myth of a Universal Limit
Anna Donaghey, a professional alcohol coach, has labelled the unofficial guideline as "incredibly risky and problematic". The rule suggests that the average person can consume two pints of standard-strength beer and remain under the legal limit for driving.
However, Donaghey stresses that this is a cultural myth with no basis in safety. The law in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland states drivers must not exceed 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (0.08%). In Scotland, the limit is stricter at 50mg per 100ml (0.05%).
Why the Rule is Fundamentally Flawed
Donaghey highlights several critical reasons why counting pints is a fool's game for anyone planning to drive.
Individual Biology Varies Widely: "Factors like body weight, metabolism and gender will all influence how quickly alcohol is absorbed and how it affects your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)," she explains. "For many, two pints of beer would push them over the legal limit. It can even affect the same person differently on different days, depending on whether they've eaten."
Not All Pints Are Created Equal: The strength of beer, lager, or cider is a major variable. A pint (568ml) of a lower-strength drink at around 3.6% alcohol contains about two units. A pint of a stronger 5% beverage contains three units. "It's really easy not to know which you are drinking," Donaghey notes, "and two pints of the stronger stuff will definitely put you over the limit."
Impairment Begins Long Before the Legal Limit
Perhaps the most crucial point is that being under the legal limit does not mean you are safe to drive. Donaghey emphasises that alcohol is a mind-altering drug.
"Even if you're under the legal BAC limit, your reaction times, coordination, and judgment can still be impaired," she states. "Even one drink affects your judgement and makes you think you're a better driver than you are. You lose insight and your ability to make a rational, good decision."
In summary, Anna Donaghey's advice is clear: we should stop asking, "how many drinks can I have and still drive?" The only safe focus, especially during the holiday season, is on not drinking at all if you intend to get behind the wheel.
