Operation Rednose loss felt in Saint John

Several impaired drivers were stopped in New Brunswick Friday night including in Saint John where a program that helped people get rides was cut earlier this year.

At Britt's pub on Princess Street co-owner Kevin Carpenter said he understands holiday parties can often lead to one drink too many.

"The bigger point is it's .05 now. That's what makes it hard because everybody's different, but that could be one drink for some people," he said.

Carpenter said it's easy to get into a cab.

But not everyone makes it into taxis. Fredericton police caught two impaired drivers and the Saint John police stopped three drivers on Friday night.

All were over the legal drinking limit.

The height of Christmas celebration season in Saint John comes without the aid of a perennial resource, Operation Rednose.

FUSION Saint John Inc., which normally runs the program that provides free rides to prevent people from drinking and driving, said it couldn't find an insurance company willing to cover the volunteer drivers and clients.

Last year 140 people took advantage of service.

"It's unfortunate that it did end because I think it was a great tool for people to use in their getting home," said Carpenter.

With or without Operation Red Nose, Carpenter said his staff always do what they can to make sure people get home safe.

Even if that means sometimes driving them home themselves.