Blow into the bag if you want to get served

BOOZED-UP revellers in Liverpool could soon be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a bag of they want to carry on drinking.

The city council is today launching a new campaign called “Say No to Drunks” which aims to stop people who have had a few too many from having any more. 

Doormen on bars and clubs in the Ropewalks area are being issued with breathalysers as part of the drive, launched by Citysafe, which aims to remind businesses that it is illegal to serve anybody who appears to be drunk.  

Bar staff who carry on pouring face a £90 fixed penalty notice or a £1,000 fine on court on conviction. Premises could also have their licence reviewed.

According to the council, "the breathalysers will only be used sparingly by bar staff on customers  who they believe have had too  much to drink and are one of a number of tests which can be applied for judging whether they should be served".

Around 25 bars and clubs in Ropewalks have agreed to take part in the pilot scheme. 

Councillor Roz Gladden Deputy Mayor and Cabinet member for social care and health said: “Alcohol misuse costs Liverpool an estimated £204 million per year.

 “Unfortunately, you can see people worse for wear through drink in Liverpool’s night time economy. We know that people ‘preloading’ - drinking before they go out- significantly adds to this problem.

“It is important that we try and reduce the levels of drunkenness, not only for the sake of individuals’ health but because of the impact it has on A&E departments  in hospitals across the city at weekends in particular.

Police Superintendent Mark Wiggins added: "We know that around 50 per cent of all violent crimes committed are alcohol related and that if you drink at home, then go out, you are more likely to be involved in violence, either as a victim or as an offender.

"This pilot scheme isn't aimed at those who drink responsibly - it's there to help identify the small minority of people who have had too much alcohol and could end up being a danger either to themselves or others. 

 "Liverpool's night time economy is rightly famous and the vast majority of people have a safe and enjoyable night out in our city."

Posters featuring characters such as “Bevvied up Bev" and "Tanked up Tommy" will be prominently displayed.

Meanwhile, more timid bar staff will receive assertivness training from the council's alcohol and tobacco unit in order that they might better break the news to smashed customers that there won't be one for the road.