Teenagers will be breathalysed in Chelmsford (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Teenagers will be breathalysed in Chelmsford

7:15am Thursday 24th July 2008

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CHELMSFORD police will be the first in Essex to breath test teenagers for alcohol - in the war on underage drinking.

Youngsters suspected of illegally boozing will be breathalysed, as they try to enter the under-18 disco at Dukes Genesis nightclub.

It is the first time in Essex a breath test has been an entry condition to a nightclub.

Any young people that test positive for alcohol will not be allowed in the disco and their parents will be phoned and asked to collect them. Anyone refusing to take the test will barred entry to the disco.

The under-18 night, on Wednesday July 30, is usually held four times a year at the Duke Street club, with up to 1,600 youngsters attending.

The operation aims to stop young people illegally drinking before they enter the non-alcoholic club night, following past cases of youngsters putting their health at risk.

During an under-18 disco at the club in May, one girl had to be taken to hospital after falling unconscious through alcohol abuse. Six others had to be treated by paramedics for alcohol intoxication.

Martin Reed, police licensing manager, said: "Once you're in Dukes it's a very safe environment. We just don't want the people who think they must have a drink spoiling it for those who don't.

"All we're trying to do is make the evening safe, I hope we don't have to do any breath tests."

Police will also be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the hours leading up to the club opening, looking for underage drinkers and confiscating illegally bought alcohol.

Officers will mark tickets for the club night belonging to anyone caught illegally drinking, stopping them from entering the club later.

The operation has been launched by police working alongside Dukes Genesis, Essex Trading Standards, the East of England Ambulance Service and Chelmsford's Street Pastors.

The success of the operation will be reviewed and could be repeated on future evenings.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service, said: "Highlighting the dangers of drinking at a young age, will hopefully make young people think twice about alcohol, and in the long-term help them be responsible about alcohol as adults."

No one from Dukes Genesis was available for comment at the time of going to press.

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