Two drivers over new limit

So far only two drivers have been caught in Rotorua now the breath test level has changed.

Just two people have so far been caught driving in Rotorua with a breath alcohol reading between the old and new limit, but police say it's too soon to say if drivers are getting the message.

On December 1 a law lowering the breath alcohol limit from 400mcg to 250mcg of alcohol per litre of breath for drivers over 20 came into force. The limit for those under 20 remains at zero.

Drivers caught between 251 and 400mcg now receive an instant $200 fine, 50 demerit points and a ban from driving for 12 hours but this does not result in a criminal conviction.

Rotorua officer in charge of road policing, Senior Sergeant Nicky Riordan, said since the law change, police had apprehended two drivers who blew between between 251 and 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.

She said Rotorua police were maintaining their presence on the roads and were carrying out routine checks as normal, but hadn't launched any specific operation to target drink drivers since the change.

Police had been working to make all motorists they encountered or pulled over aware of the changes.

She said it was too early to say whether or not people were getting the message about the change.

"We really can't speculate whether it's because people are becoming aware of the changes or whether we [police] have been in the wrong place at the wrong time with our patrols," she said.

"Regardless, we are continuing to push the message that if people are planning to drink and socialise, they make plans beforehand to ensure they have a sober driver or a way to get home safe.

"With Christmas and the festive season fast approaching we really can't stress that enough," she said.

Brew Craft Beer Pub co-owner Nigel Gregory said the new limit had not had a negative impact on business, but staff had noticed an increase in sales of low-alcohol beverages.

"We've noticed many of our customers are going for beers with a low alcohol content."

Mr Gregory said Brew offered many low-alcohol brews, the lowest containing 2.7 per cent alcohol.

"If anything the law change has helped the hospitality industry recognise the need to offer these sorts of options, which is positive."