Bar staff have been urged to keep a watchful eye on customers' alcohol intake over the festive period, as Police continue their Christmas drink drive clampdown.

Michael Fox, of the Bermuda Road Safety Council, said most experienced bar workers knew when somebody was over the limit and unfit to drive.

The subject of bar owners being responsible for accidents when customers leave premises over the legal limit, and then crash, came up in a Police Press conference that included warnings about the dangers of drink driving ? and the increased likelihood of getting caught.

In many American states, "dram shop laws" hold drinking establishments responsible for the dangerous actions of customers intoxicated on their premises. The laws often provide an incentive for owners to train staff to serve responsibly.

They do not apply in Bermuda, but Mr. Fox said he was aware of some bar owners in Bermuda who had tried to remove car keys from drunk drivers or had urged them to let someone else drive home.

When further questions were raised about the responsibilities of bar owners in the fight against drink driving, however, Police stepped in and said they would not comment on what they said was a civil liability issue.