Does Tavern League have too much influence? Task force members resign

MADISON (AP) — The executive director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin says he is surprised to hear that four members of a drunken driving task force have resigned.

Those resigning sent a letter to the state Department of Transportation on Thursday saying the DOT has shown little interest in their input developing a meaningful plan to address drunken driving in Wisconsin.

They say the Tavern League has too much influence.

But the group's executive director Pete Madland says he hasn't attended a meeting of the group since last August. He says the Tavern League remains committed to exploring ways to reduce alcohol related fatalities.

He says the task force rarely agrees, but it has proven to be an effective way to share ideas and work together on programs to reduce drunken driving.