News recently surfaces that London Metropolitan Police are trialling breath testing at some clubs in London. The idea, obviously, is to crack down on alcohol-fuelled violence. By breath testing punters, it could avoid them “pre-loading” or pre-drinking, and showing up wasted.

The idea is currently being tested in Romford and Croydon. If the breathalyser shows that the reveller is more than double the level drink-driving level, they will be refused entry.

For reference, England’s alcohol limit for drivers is 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood compared to Australia’s limit of 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.

Testing in a small number of Croydon clubs began on January 30, 3015 and has already proved successful, according to Chief Inspector Gary Taylor. “[The clubs] have told us that it did help reduce violence and confrontations involving door staff. The breathalyser helped to stop people who were persistently trying to get into clubs when they clearly had to too much to drink.

“The breathalyser helps to reduce the number of arguments when door staff refuse entry to someone who is intoxicated. In the past door staff would get involved in long arguments with people who were refused entry. People who were arguing with staff were more likely to accept the results of the breathalyser,” he said.

But WAIT, there’s more.

A new addition to the idea has been include sniffer dogs.

In light of recent drug-related deaths at famed nightclub Fabric, police have provided a series of requirements that the club need to adhere to in order to keep their license. One of these includes employing sniffer dogs on hand, every night, for at least 50% of the opening hours.

The Guardian broke it down: Per dog and handler, that’s £300 per four-hour shift. And they will reportedly need seven dogs per night. More stringent ID and bag checks are also required.

Chief Inspector Ian Howells, of the Met says, “The relationship between the club and police has been good. There’s a good level of support. With the two recent deaths we have sought to engage to improve the security and search regime to mitigate further risks.”

Both suggestions – dogs and breathalysers – have drawn polarised responses. While some have been hailing it as a great move forward in terms of allowing punters to party safely, otherwise have criticised it as draconian, saying that it will obliterate London’s nightlife.

What do you think?