Clergy seek drink-drive exemption

Clergymen across Croatia who sip wine during religious services are seeking amnesty from proposed legislation prescribing zero tolerance for drivers who drink.

The proposals have alarmed clergyman because church tradition requires them to take a sip of wine during services.

"Consummation of wine is the main component of the Eucharist," the Rev Zivko Kustic said in Zagreb.

"Since we serve Mass daily, sometimes up to three times a day, half the clergy is bound to wind up behind bars as repeat offenders in no time," Kustic said.