Breathalyser trial launches in pubs in North Leicestershire
North West Leicestershire District Council’s licensing team is working with the police and Pub Watch groups in Coalville and Ashby to promote responsible drinking and raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse.
Breathalyser trials have been set up in licensed premises, offering customers a chance to test their intoxication levels. Calculators allowing punters to check the units of alcohol they are consuming and learn about the health impact of alcohol are also available in venues.
The council’s night time economy officer will be on hand throughout the week to give health advice to young people and police officers will visit licensed premises to offer advice where required.
The authority said it also runs similar schemes over the festive period and during large public events, like the World Cup.
Raising awareness
Inspector Helena Bhakta, North West Leicestershire local police commander, said: “This event is run each year to raise awareness of the dangers of abuse of alcohol. Both Ashby and Coalville are safe places and alcohol-fuelled violent crime is down. This event is focussed on making the area safer still.”
Marie Kelleher, who runs the Bulls Head and chairs Ashby Pub Watch along with Ian Jayes of Ciro’s, said: “It is very important to have a vibrant, varied, night time economy, where people feel safe. This is one of many initiatives we have supported and it is pleasing to see that we are all working together to provide a safe environment for people to come and enjoy.”
Last week, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser reported that Norwich Constabulary will continue its voluntary breathalyser scheme ‘indefinitely’ after receiving positive feedback from the trade and other police forces about its pilot.
