Pitchers and mugs may soon run dry as a result of a proposed ban on drink specials in Green Bay, which aims to curb the rising number of alcohol-related deaths in the area.

Proposed by Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, the Green Bay City Council unanimously approved the ordinance early last week, and it is scheduled for one more public reading Oct. 9 before being voted on for the last time.

The ban, Schmitt said, was introduced because of a tragically high number of traffic fatalities due to drunken driving.

"There have been 400-plus drunk driving tickets issued this year, and the problem is not getting any better, so it needs attention," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said he met with the Tavern League of Wisconsin, individuals who received drunken driving tickets, hospital personnel and members of different neighborhoods throughout the city in search of ideas to combat the problem.

The outcome, Schmitt added, was a suggestion from the Tavern League of Wisconsin to ban the so-called bottomless special — which often consists of a $9 deal for all-you-can-drink alcohol.

"I think they send a message to drink more than you should," Schmitt said.

Schmitt added he is not opposed to going out and having a few drinks, yet he believes there is a line to be drawn — especially when operating a vehicle is involved.

Schmitt added the decision to drink and drive is ultimately a personal one; however, he believes such specials do not help the situation.

"Specials send the wrong message," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said the Tavern League's support of the proposal shows it will not harm local businesses, adding he supports some tavern specials — such as the "double bubble" where two drinks are sold for the price of one.

Aside from punishing drunken drivers, Schmitt said he plans to reward designated drivers throughout the community. He also plans to offer free soft drinks or have a punch card program that would result in some sort of prize after an individual is sober a certain number of times.

Despite the positive feedback the ban has received in Green Bay, City Council President Mike Verveer, District 4, said he would not support a similar ban in Madison.

Currently, Madison does not have any type of restriction on the price of drinks or drink specials.

"Drink-special legislation has been proposed here in Madison," Verveer said. "The Madison City Council a few years ago was on the verge of adopting an ordinance stricter than [that of] Green Bay."

Verveer added it is not the City Council's place to decide how owners price their goods.

"In Madison, this would not hurt the economy, [but] it's more of a libertarian belief," Verveer said. "I don't think the government has any business setting the price of drinks."