text: Scottish drinkers are so cautious of the country's new drink-driving limits bar sales have plummeted by 60 per cent - a reduction in spending so severe it's damaging the country's financial growth. Under the new Scottish drink-drive law, enacted on December 5, the limit was cut from 80mg per 100ml of blood to just 50mg. And the effect of the drop in sales is so severe, it is being blamed for a poor result in the country's latest Bank of Scotland PMI report. Scotland's tough new drink driving law is being blamed for stalling the country's financial growth . Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, said: 'Manufacturing exporters have been affected by the falling euro while services businesses in hospitality are seeing a changing pattern of spending resulting from the lowered alcohol limit while driving.' The report follows a February study which revealed the country's bar sales had dropped by 60 per cent when the new limit was introduced. Publicans are now concerned the new laws will have a greater effect on bars and drinking establishments than the 2006  smoking ban. Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, told The Independent the new law - which matches limits across much of Continental Europe - was a 'form of prohibition'. He said: 'It’s stopped people having a drink at lunchtime, or having a drink on the way home from work. People aren’t coming in for food with their families on a Sunday afternoon. Hospitality industry leaders claim the new law is stopping moderate drinkers from having a tipple at lunch or on their way home from work . 'We feel it’s had an effect far worse than the smoking ban had in 2006. There’s questions being asked about the future of the trade – it’s probably the last nail in the coffin for independent operators.' The February study, carried out by purchasing firm Beacon, revealed there was a surge in interest in non-alcoholic drinks and smaller glass sizes. Tennant Hilditch, director of sales, said the first two months of the new drink driving laws had shown a 'real impact' on the country's hospitality industry. He said: 'Traditional lunchtime drinkers, or post-golf drinkers in the clubhouse have been particularly affected by the new rules. 'So much so, that we are seeing demand for smaller glasses, weaker beers, a trend towards introducing earlier lunch sittings so guests or golfers can stay longer and do not return to the roads as quickly, as well as an increased interest in "mocktails".' In the wake of the law change, Police Scotland assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins encouraged drinkers to 'leave the car at home' if they were planning to go for a drink. He said: 'There is no safe amount of alcohol in the body if you drive. It is clear when it comes to drinking and driving, that the simple "the best advice is none" message is the right one.' While the limit brings Scotland in line with the rest of Europe, it is significantly lower than that of England and Wales - which remains at 80mg per 100ml of blood.
target: Scotland's strict new drink-driving law sees bar sales drop by 60 per cent .
  Lack of spending is being blamed for stalling the country's financial growth .
  Publicans are concerned it is having a worse effect than 2006 smoking ban .
  Hospitality industry leaders claim the law comprises a 'form of prohibition'