Breathalysers introduced in Nottinghamshire pubs to avoid disputes
A pilot was launched in Mansfield, and has now been rolled out in Newark and Worksop, as part of the local police force’s Alliance Against Violence campaign.
Breathalysers are now in use in 14 venues across the county, many of which have already turned customers away due to levels of drunkenness, according to police. Each pub decides its own drink limit.
Nottinghamshire Police said the equipment has been introduced to help avoid arguments between door staff and customers over whether or not a customer is drunk.
It said door staff are working closely with officers who are advised of those refused entry and have the right to require people to leave the area if appropriate. Police will also give advice on personal safety and alcohol referral services.
“It also helps manage the trend of people arriving in town already drunk and the disorderly behaviours associated with it. The message is clear if you have drunk too much you won’t be allowed entry,” a spokesperson said.
'Positive results'
Chief Inspector Paul Murphy added: “When used in other parts of the country breathalysers have helped reduce violence. We’ve already seen positive results in Mansfield.
“This provides late night businesses with the tools to take responsibility for tackling customers who have the potential to cause them problems. Licensed premises have responded positively to the initiative.
“We hope this measure will contribute to reducing violence in our communities. We want to make sure that an evening in our town centres is a safe and enjoyable experience.”
Breathalysers have already been trialled in pubs in two Leicestershire towns and are will be used “indefinitely” in venues in Norwich.
Earlier this week Luminar chief executive Peter Marks told the Publican’s Morning Advertiser that the encroaching demands for late-night venues to use breathalysers is “socially unacceptable and inoperable”.
