PUBGOERS could be breathalysed BEFORE being allowed entry into licensed premises under new plans.

Licensing officers in Essex have been given 15 Alcoblow breathalysers which detect if people are more than twice the drink drive limit.

Venues could be asked to use the devices and deny entry to anyone over the limit.

Essex Police has spent £2,580 on the devices, from money seized from criminals by the courts, to tackle alcohol and drug related crime and disorder.

The devices will primarily be used during licensing operations and inspections.

However, licensing officers plan to speak with licensees about a pilot scheme involving using the devices as a condition of entry.

Two pints of lager can be enough to take someone over the drink drive limit of 35mcgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath and these breathalysers will be set at 70mcgs.

Gordon Ashford, licensing and substance misuse co-ordinator, said: “Where people are thought to be intoxicated, staff at licensed premises may ask them to take a breath test if they wish to enter or stay at the venue, or be served.

“Where this has been tried in the past customers have been co-operative, even when refused entry.

“It is an excellent way of educating individuals about responsible drinking and ensuring people’s safety on their nights out.”

Essex Police was also given £6,750 to buy drug testing kits, which can be used during inspections of licensed premises.

The kits and wipes can detect cocaine, heroin, barbituarates, MDMA ecstacy, amphetamine, methadone, cannabis, ketamine and LSD.