Crackdown on pre-potions! Drinkers get BREATHTAKING as they enter city center bars and pubs to prevent revelers from precharging
- Durham Police have launched a plan to breath analyze the drinker entering the pub
- Police say they want to stop the potentially dangerous ‘culture of pre-loading’
- Test results let venues know if they can let customers drink safely
Drinkers take a breather before entering city center bars and clubs in a new plan to counter pre-drinks, where people drink at home before going out.
Door staff at locations in downtown Durham are equipped with the devices, enabling them to make better decisions about who to let in safely.
Durham police said the aim is to stop the potentially dangerous ‘culture of pre-loading’ drinkers before a night out, which they say will help revelers make ‘better decisions’.
Several locations have started using the devices this week, which will serve as a guideline for staff when they know who to let in.
The idea, funded by the Safer Streets program and the Durham Parish Council, aims to reduce drunkenness and violent crime. Police say violent crime has decreased significantly in areas of the country where this scheme has already been implemented.
A new scheme introduced in Durham where door staff will breath-analyze revelers (pictured) before admitting them into bars and clubs to ensure they are not drunk
Police said the aim is to stop the potentially dangerous ‘culture of pre-loading’ drinkers before a night out, which they say will help revelers make better ‘decisions’. Pictured: Crowds of revelers in Newcastle on Sunday
The breath analyzers operate on a light system, which indicates an acceptable level for people enjoying a social drink or if someone has reached a potentially harmful level of intoxication.
Earlier this year, Durham launched ‘The Hub @ St Nic’s Church’, providing support to those who need it on a night out.
The hub offers anyone who is ‘unwell, vulnerable or victim of a crime a safe place to get all the help they need’.
Well-being workers have also been placed in clubs and bars and plans are being made for volunteers to help drinkers in the city centre.
They will also have specially trained CCTV operators to work on busier nights to look for people who may be vulnerable and need help from emergency services. They will also add extra lighting
Durham City Neighborhood Inspector Dave Clarke said: ‘We do everything we can to make sure people are safe when they are out for a night out.
‘Unfortunately, we see time and again the negative effects of alcohol on people, whether it be violence against others, antisocial behavior or not being aware of their surroundings.
‘Not everyone will be breathed, it will be up to the door to judge which persons will benefit from not drinking that evening.
‘We want everyone to have a nice evening, but we also want to make sure that they get home safely and without inconvenience to the residents.’
“We want everyone to have a great night, but we also want to make sure they get home safely, and without disturbing the residents,” said Durham City Neighborhood Inspector Dave Clarke (file photo of two men drinking beer)
Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: ‘This initiative is a welcome addition to our overnight economy and a step in the right direction to keep our revelers safe.
“I hope we will be able to follow the example of other areas that have introduced breath analyzers in reducing violent crime on our streets.
“When used properly, this program will ensure that the public can enjoy a night out, but also do not exceed a safe alcohol consumption limit, endangering their own health, safety and that of the public.” .
“As part of my plan, the Safer Streets Fund has enabled us to implement the nighttime safety hub along with the breath analysis initiative, additional lighting and CCTV in the city center.
“We’ve already seen successes from the Security Hub and we will continue in hopes that our other additions can make further strides in improving our city centers for everyone in the community.”