Breathalysers in pubs and clubs - now Weymouth?

We have previously expressed our concern at the trend of seeking to introduce breathalyser testing on entry to licensed premises – see for example our article: 'Breathalysers in pubs and clubs - a cause for concern?' 

We are now seeing reports that Weymouth is the latest location to seek to trial this.

As part of a joint project from Dorset Police and (and to us surprisingly) licensed premises, pubs and clubs across the town will have the power to breathalyse punters in a three-month pilot scheme to be monitored by leading sociologist.  The #RU2DRUNK is said to seek to the culture of 'pre-drinking' in which a growing number of people consume excessive amounts of shop-bought alcohol at home before arriving in the town centre.

It is reported that the three month scheme will start on Friday, 16 September with an evaluation beginning after the first month.  We would advise affected operators to approach the initiative with some caution.