Police are hoping to magic away the problem of underage drinking with a new alcohol-detecting ‘wand’.
The ‘Alcoblow’ wands are designed to be waved in the faces of young people in the street to see if they have been drinking.
The wand, which cost about £300 each, was piloted by police in the Wealden district for three months and proved such a success that four more have now been bought by the Safer Wealden Partnership.
Sergeant Howard Neville, who is based in Hailsham, said: “It’s proved particularly helpful in one area and that’s underage drinking.
“We have used it with teenagers perceived to be drinking in the streets to see whether they are or not and we have also used it with young people at youth events or under-age club nights, to reassure parents.”
The long yellow plastic wand is made by breathalyser specialists Lion Laboratories Ltd and has a simple traffic light system.
Will the booze wants stop young people drinking on the streets? Tell us what you think below.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel