The vote, which passed by a 5-2 margin, means that the government will support the bill when it comes up for a Knesset vote.
The legislation was proposed by MK Ruhama Avraham (Kadima), who said that similar laws exist in many U.S. states, much of the European Union, and even in Tokyo, Japan. She quoted research in these countries showing a 50% plunge in heavy violence during the night, and a drop of over 20% in traffic fatalities and injuries during weekend nights.
"The plague of violence and the carnage on the roads must be dealt with," MK Avraham said. "We must stop the incessant chatter and start acting... The question is not how popular this legislation is, but whether it can save lives - as it has done in many western countries that have passed a law like this."
At the same time, the committee rejected a bill that would have stipulated a "bill of rights" for university students.
The legislation was proposed by MK Ruhama Avraham (Kadima), who said that similar laws exist in many U.S. states, much of the European Union, and even in Tokyo, Japan. She quoted research in these countries showing a 50% plunge in heavy violence during the night, and a drop of over 20% in traffic fatalities and injuries during weekend nights.
"The plague of violence and the carnage on the roads must be dealt with," MK Avraham said. "We must stop the incessant chatter and start acting... The question is not how popular this legislation is, but whether it can save lives - as it has done in many western countries that have passed a law like this."
At the same time, the committee rejected a bill that would have stipulated a "bill of rights" for university students.