The bulk of drones bought in the US last year did not have to be registered with the authorities

Flying a drone after a tipsy lunch could earn operators six months in jail or a $1,000 fine as politicians in the US clamp down on drunk-droning.

Senators in New Jersey have said that they are seeking to establish some order around the operation of drones, reflecting growing concerns over the regulatory challenges posed by the increasingly popular pursuit and the “dangerous situations” it can create.

“There are many benefits for commercial and recreational purposes but they can also pose threats to safety, security and privacy. The technology has outpaced regulations,” Paul Sarlo, a New Jersey senator and author of a bill due to be signed into law, said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the use of drones near airports and airline corridors and