PUBGOERS are set to be breathalysed before they enter pubs - and will be barred from entry if they fail the test.
The experiment will be held in Plymouth's Union Street to begin with, before being trialled in the Barbican during the summer and finally in North Hill in the autumn.
It is hoped the 'Serve Drinks Not Drunks' campaign will help tackle “pre-loading” – people drinking heavily at home and arriving at bars late at night already intoxicated.
Pubs and clubs will be able to set an alcohol level for punters wanting to come in, and display this at the door.
Security staff can then ask anyone they suspect of being drunk to take a breathalyser test. If they are over the chosen limit, or decline to take the test, they will be refused entry.
The scheme is being run by the licensed trade, under Best Bar None Plymouth, but has the support of other agencies including the police, who are supplying the breathalyser devices.
BBN chairman Mick McDonnell said they are asking bars to record data about every use of the breathalysers, including time and date, and details of the age and gender of the person tested, whether they were over the limit, and whether they were refused entry.
“This will give information about who is coming into the Evening and Night-time Economy (ENTE), and whether they are already drunk,” Mr McDonnell said.
“We can then look at doing some work around that demographic.
“It might highlight a peer group with an issue.”
He said a decision will be made on the future of the project at the end of the year.
“There is a cost, so it depends on what comes out of the data, but if it proves its worth it could carry on,” he said.
“It’s a way of the trade addressing the issues of pre-loading.
“It’s already against the law to serve anyone under the influence of alcohol.
“So this is a proactive approach to that issue.
“It’s been embraced by the trade, the doormen are keen, it gives them an opportunity to challenge people’s level of consumption.
“Each individual venue will set their own limits which will be advertised at the front of the building.
“Anybody that appears under the influence could then be required to provide a sample of breath as a condition of entrance.
“Anyone refusing the request, or if the reading is over the advertised figure, will be refused entry.
“And if they are refused entry, door staff can use the NightNet radio system to tell other venues.
“People will learn they can’t go to the ENTE drunk.”
Chief Inspector Cath Farrin, in charge of local policing and partnerships, said the force is happy to support the industry-led scheme, and that it will bolster the police’s Moder8 campaign to address problem alcohol consumption.
“It will help us better understand how we can respond to alcohol-related crime and improve public safety within Plymouth communities,” she said.
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Sober enough to go drinking?
Sober enough to go drinking?
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
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oldr_n_wsr
- Posts: 10838
- Joined: Sun Apr 18, 2010 1:59 am
Re: Sober enough to go drinking?
I probably would have failed many a time (unless the limit was above .25).
Re: Sober enough to go drinking?
It's been against the law to serve someone who is already intoxicated at a bar or restaurant for a long time. But the addition of a more accurate metric is useful. I can't see the establishments going to the considerable extra effort to collect data though.
yrs,
rubato
yrs,
rubato