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Anger as clubbers are given breathalyser tests to stop them pre-loading on alcohol

Security guard  are regulating the situation of safety in an event concert in a nightclub.
Bars and nightclubs in Durham have been given equipment to breathalyse drinkers. (Getty)

Bars and nightclubs in Durham have been given equipment to breathalyse drinkers on the way in to prevent them from pre-loading alcohol.

The initiative is being rolled out this month in venues across the city centre to stop the potentially dangerous culture of revellers filling up on alcohol before heading out.

They pre-load so they don't have to buy many drinks once inside the venue.

But some clubbers are not impressed with the new procedure and have called it a “money grab” and “disgusting”.

The idea, funded by the Safer Streets scheme and Durham Parish Council, aims to reduce drunkenness and violent crime.

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Highway 2 Bucharest - Constanta, Romania - 10 August, 2021: Romanian Road Police officer hands a breathalyser to a driver to test his alcohol level.
Breathalyser tests are normally used to check if drivers are over the limit. (Getty)

A drinker, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Northern Echo: “Wow I just can’t get over how much of a nanny state we are turning into. What happened to personal responsibility? Sounds like a hell of a money grab for someone."

Another person added: “Disgusting! Who wants to blow into something hundreds of others might have at this moment in time? Since when should bouncers be given this power?”

But an older person said they liked the idea as they were tired of “younguns" getting drunk and "causing bother.”

Door staff at venues have been equipped with the devices to help them to make better decisions about who they can safely admit.

The breathalysers work on a lights system, indicating an acceptable level for people enjoying a sociable drink or if someone has reached a potentially harmful level of intoxication.

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A view south along Sadler Street, an old city street in the town centre of Durham, UK.
The initiative is being tested in Durham city centre. (Getty)

Durham City Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Clarke said: “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.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen added: “When used appropriately this scheme will ensure that whilst the public can enjoy an evening out, they also don’t exceed a safe limit of alcohol consumption leading them to put their own health, safety and that of the public in danger.”