Radio host pounds drinks for a reason in Libertyville
WIIL-FM's morning personalities delivered a serious message about drunken-driving with their usual light banter from a Libertyville bar Friday.
Lisa Tyler, who co-hosts the show with Tom Kief on southern Wisconsin-based 95.1-FM, quaffed five beers and a shot while on the air from about 6:30 to 9 a.m. at Austin's Saloon & Eatery.
Tyler's drinking was part of an annual alcohol awareness show she and Kief front during the holiday season. Two Waukegan police officers joined the radio hosts.
Kief encouraged Tyler as she chugged roughly a half-bottle of Bud Light for her last beverage of the morning.
"Drink that beer," he yelled to Tyler.
It wasn't a surprise the 135-pound Tyler progressed to a .109 blood-alcohol level - above Illinois' .08 legal limit for driving - when she underwent a final breath test administered by Waukegan police Officer Michael Sliozis.
Sliozis, who is a full-time DUI cop, also was not impressed with Tyler's performance on two field sobriety tests.
"At this point," Sliozis said, "I would absolutely arrest her for DUI."
Tyler provided a comeback as if she really had been busted for drunken driving and wanted to get out of it.
"At this point," Tyler told Sliozis, "I would say you're very cute and could we kiss?"
Kief served as the designated driver for the return trip to Wisconsin for Tyler and WIIL promotions director and night disc jockey Stuart J. Wattles, who also pounded beers and shots as part of the show.
Tyler, whose blood-alcohol content was just below the legal threshold at .078 after having three beers in an hour, said the exercise showed how quickly someone can get drunk.
Waukegan police Cmdr. Gabe Guzman said Friday's show was valuable and more than a wacky DJ stunt, because it stressed the dangers of mixing alcohol and driving.
"It heightens awareness, especially now with the holiday parties," Guzman said.
Guzman said someone accused of driving under the influence of alcohol typically incurs $10,000 in expenses for attorneys, court fines and towing fees charged by some suburbs.