Club unveils coin-operated breathalyser

Smokey Joe’s nightclub in Maidenhead has installed a coin-operated breathalyser – the first of its kind in the UK.

The AlcoSense WM1 breathalyser produced by AlcoSense is designed to help reduce drink driving as well as educate drinkers on their alcohol intake.

Wall mounted breathalysers are a common sight in other countries across the world, including France, America and Sweden, in a range of locations where alcohol is consumed, from race tracks to marinas to cinemas.

Given the positive reaction from Smokey Joe’s consumers and the whole-hearted support from local authorities, it is likely that they will become an everyday feature of watering holes across the UK as well.

The aptly named Alan Barwise, head of licensing for the borough, expressed his support for the initiative, saying: “Any attempt to prevent or discourage anyone from drinking and driving has got to be positive and we support it wholeheartedly."

Dean Page, owner and operator of Smokey Joe’s, added: “The AlcoSense Wall Mount has been really well received by our customers – and the usage has reflected that.

Whatever your views on drink driving, I think this product aids the public in making responsible and legal decisions about whether to drive home or not after a night out”.

Marinel FitzSimons, 07.09.2010