REVELLERS face being breathalysed and refused entry into one of the city’s biggest nightclubs if they have drunk four pints of lager.

From today, door staff at Shooshh in Brighton will ask those who appear drunk to blow into the device, and if it exceeds a certain level, they will not be allowed in.

The limit has been set at twice the drink-drive limit, which is about the equivalent of four pints of lager, depending on the strength of the drink.

The new initiative aims to reduce the potential for trouble. Sussex Police state those who are excessively drunk are more likely to be assaulted, to get into trouble and to put themselves in harm’s way because their inhibitions have been lowered.

But the news has not been embraced by the city’s revellers, saying it would leave them out of pocket.

Phil Ward, from Hove, said: “You can’t head somewhere else for a few shots if they’re breathalysing at Shooshh.”

Martin Macdonald, also from Hove, said: “I can’t afford the drink prices in Shooshh, so I have a drink at home as it’s cheaper and doesn’t put a dent in my wallet.”

Breathalysers have already been used in other cities across the UK.

Albie Saliba, manager of Shooshh, in the King’s Road arches, said: “We pride ourselves on setting high standard within the city. We strongly believe in this initiative and in working closely with police licensing to help reduce the amount of potential crime and disorder while keeping the public as safe as possible.

“We hope that this will help people to drink responsibly so they can enjoy their experiences within a safe, friendly and entertaining environment.”

But Hove resident Robin Ward argued the club was just looking to make sure people spend their money at the club and not beforehand.

He said: “Will they breathalyse everyone who tries to get a drink in the club to ensure they’re not over the limit?”

Sergeant Ben Hearth, from the Brighton and Hove police licensing team, said: “A number of people do drink excessively and then find themselves getting into arguments or fights that a more sober person may not.

“Drinking heavily also makes people vulnerable and increases their risk of becoming a victim of a crime.

“The Shooshh initiative is a very positive one which we are hoping other venues in the city will adopt.”

Jean Irving, Sussex Police’s head of licensing and public safety, said the initiative was about encouraging people to drink responsibly if they are going out.