Two holiday destinations may turn revellers away this summer if they arrive at nightspots already drunk.
The #RU2drunk scheme is being rolled out across Newquay and Truro and will run in 21 licensed premises, with the aim of reducing alcohol related crime there. Pubs, bars and clubs will be provided with a breathalyser and each licensed premises will decide at what limit they want to set the device, anyone giving a higher reading than the limit maybe refused entry.
Police say that over the last 12 months 30.6pc of violent crime across Cornwall has been alcohol related; the scheme aims to reduce this by cutting down the number of people “pre-loading” which is seen as a factor.
The joint scheme between partner agencies, licensed premises and the police and was piloted in Torquay last year and is being funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Newquay Sector Inspector Dave Meredith, from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “There has been a massive change over recent years with many people “pre-loading” before going to pubs, bars and clubs and therefore when they arrive at venues they are already drunk. Now licensed premises have the decision to refuse entry we are hoping this may deter people from “pre-loading” prior to going out for the evening. The pilot in Torquay has showed a significant reduction to alcohol related crime, so we hope this can be replicated in Newquay and Truro.”
“We have been working closely with licensees in these locations for several years and this is another tactic we are implementing to try and discourage excessive drinking and further reduce alcohol related crime.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Hogg said: “I am absolutely delighted that, after the success of the RU2drunk pilot in Torquay, this scheme is now going to be used in Newquay and Truro in time for the peak holiday season.
“The effect of “pre-loading” on our drinking culture, and the subsequent impact on crime levels, is enormous and undeniable. Innovative schemes like this are one way in which we can help to encourage responsible drinking. We need to reduce the number of people who get seriously drunk at home on cheap alcohol before they go out and then go on to cause trouble in town and city centre establishments later.
He added that introducing this scheme will help to make the pubs safer places and reduce the demand on already stretched policing resources.
