Dangerous Advertising?
By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: October 26, 2012
One local lawyer is
targeting potential customers right when they enter the bar with wristbands that say "Drinking Tonight? Know Your Rights!"
The wristbands include a phone number to Stephen Hamilton, a local DWI lawyer. He says he does this because people in Lubbock don't know all their rights when it comes to DWI law.
"The sign on the road that says drink, drive, go to jail. It's a catchy slogan.That ain't the law in Texas," said Stephen Hamilton, "If you are over the age of 21 you can consume alcohol and operate a motor vehicle, you can drive as long as you are not intoxicated."
Jay T Hamilton, manager of popular bar "The Roof" says he gets these wristbands for
free--something that helps his bottom line.
"We probably go through a thousand a weekend, so I mean that ends up adding up over a year's time," said Jay T Hamilton.
However, Mother's Against Drunk Driving's Amanda Eldredge says these wristbands may be sending the wrong message.
"Our goal, we are a prevention organization and so putting wrist bands out there to I don't know if its almost encouraging you know, if you're going to drink and drive, here use our resources, when MADD wants you to be a safe sober driver," said Amanda Eldredge.
She would rather there be taxi numbers on those wristbands.
"If they are going to consume alcohol to designate a sober driver or to call a taxi service, use the city bus services, or any other way that they have to get home that is a safe way after you have consumed alcohol," said Eldredge.
At The Roof, these Tech students think its smart, targeted advertising.
Kelsey Roberts said, "Its something people at least look at once and familiarize themselves with."
Lizzie Stark said, "Yeah they will be familiar with it; if it does come to that it will be on your wrist."
Stephen Hamilton says the wristbands have not increased his business. In fact, he thinks they may actually remind people not to drink and drive.
Hamilton said, "It may actually prevent people from drinking and driving because people can look at their band and it is saying 'know your rights' and they start thinking maybe I have had too much to drink. Maybe I shouldn't be driving tonight."
Hamilton says the language on the wristband has been approved by the advertising review board of the State Bar of Texas.


