Breathalysers to be introduced at UK nightclubs

Nightclubs are synonymous with overindulging in alcohol, but in the UK, people might be refraining in future as breathalysers are set to be introduced.

This is all part of a bid to help keep people safer after on nights out, and if you're planning a night out in Durham within the next month, you could be one of the first breathalysed.

Alamy/Jack Sullivan

The instruments will be brought into use there this month, and staff will use them to determine who is fit enough to come inside the club.

Pre-drinking, in particular, is being targeted, with officials stating that they want to clamp down on 'the culture of pre-loading' - AKA having a few drinks before you go out to save money.

Durham police said they want to reduce what people are drinking at the start of the night so they have 'a better chance to make more informed decisions.'

While drinks will still very much be available inside the clubs, the whole idea is that on entry, no one will be drunk.

Apparently, the breathalysers used will operate using a light system that determines whether someone has had a sociable drink or has overindulged.

This is also a particularly significant time of the year to be introducing the scheme, as British university terms began again this month and students typically overindulge during Freshers' Week.

Alamy/DGB

However, it's worth noting that not everyone will be breathalysed on entering the clubs (after all, that could lead to some seriously long queues).

Durham City Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Clarke said: "We are committed to making sure people are safe when they are on a night out.

"Sadly, time and again we see the negative effects alcohol has on people, whether it be through violence against others, anti-social behaviour or not being aware of their surroundings.

"Not everyone will be breathalysed, it will be down to door staff to judge those individuals who might benefit from not drinking any more that night.

"We want everyone to have a great night, but we also want to make sure they make it home safely, and without causing any disruption to residents."

It's not yet known if the system will be used throughout the UK, but for those in Durham looking to save by pre-drinking, don't take it to far - or your night could come to a premature end.

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen ultimately described the scheme as 'a step in the right direction for keeping our revellers safe.'

Topics: Life, News

Emma Guinness

@guinness_emma