Outdoor drinking could leave three people dead on Northern Ireland's roads this month, it was claimed today.
With people preparing to light their barbecues and take advantage of any good weather, Stormont Environment Minister Mr Dermot Nesbitt warned the death toll could surge.
He said: "If July follows the pattern of previous years, three people will lose their lives on the roads of Northern Ireland as a direct result of drink-driving."
A massive upsurge in open-air drinking expected in the coming weeks has prompted Mr Nesbitt to launch a new bid to keep the dangers to a minimum.
As more alcohol is sold in July and August than in any other month, the minister urged the public to heed his summer anti-drink drive campaign.
Superintendent Ian Hamill, head of the Police Service's road policing development branch, warned that catching and prosecuting drink drivers remains a priority.
"We are not out to spoil anyone's fun," he said. "But clearly, there are some who chose not to listen to all the advice and warnings that have been given over the years. They are not only a danger to themselves but to everyone else on the roads."
PA