Insurance agency statistics show that drunk driving deaths are highest in July. Over the past five years, an average of seven people have died due to drinking and driving and 39 have been injured.

Smith, owner of Malta National Brewing Corp., said he feels an obligation to make sure people are safe while enjoying beer.

While he said the brewery has a low alcohol consumption rate, all servers have undergone training to provide customers with appropriate service.

Smith said some of the brewery’s bottles even warned people against drinking and driving.

“With beer comes a responsibility to ensure people consume it responsibly, and I think our entire business demonstrates that that can be done,” Smith said.

During the month of July, the Regina Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit will conduct alcohol testing on every driver stopped.

Police conducted a program in March that checked 637 drivers. The investigations led to nine arrests and six suspensions for drink-driving.

Police officer Mike Seel said he was happy to see the return of mandatory roadside breathalyzer tests.

“If we can save one person’s life or prevent serious injury, I think it’s worth doing,” he said.

He added that people who may feel frustrated by having to take a sober test should remember that police do it for everyone’s safety.

“I’ve been in enough alcohol-involved accidents where people have been seriously injured or killed,” Seel said. “I don’t like watching it.”

Seel explained that drivers who refuse to take a breathalyzer test can face the same penalties as those for driving under the influence.

“If people could see some of the images I have seen over the course of my career, they would understand why we do this for people’s safety.”

Seel sees as many drink-driving drivers as cannabis users. He said he doesn’t think there are more cannabis users on the roads; instead, there is better technology and training to spot them.

Since April, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been conducting mandatory roadside alcohol checks.