Mass. looks to curb drunk driving around holidays

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Massachusetts is promising stepped-up enforcement of liquor laws in an effort to curb drunken driving during the holiday season.

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission will be focusing its attention on restaurants and bars in Massachusetts by making sure they are following laws against serving intoxicated or underage patrons.

State Treasurer Steven Grossman, whose office oversees the ABCC, says strong enforcement of the rules can prevent tragedies before they happen.

The state says well over half of all arrests for impaired driving involve individuals who had been drinking at bars.

The holiday crackdown, in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, began after Thanksgiving and will continue through New Year's Eve.