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Club goers face being breathalysed before being allowed entry into London venues as part of a crackdown on drink-related violence.

Police and clubs are launching a pilot scheme to enable doormen to breath test revellers they suspect are intoxicated so they can bar them from entry.

The limit for testing “positive” will be set at around twice the level for the drink driving limit.

Officers hope the scheme will cut down on binge drinking and “pre-loading” where young people get drunk on cheap drinks before going out.

The measure is one of several initiatives being launched by the Met in an effort to tackle rising rates of violent crime in London.

Figures show that while most crime in London is falling, the number of violent offences is rising rapidly with increases of up to 39 per cent in some boroughs.

Senior officers believe some of the rise is explained by more thorough recording of offences but admit there has been an increase in drink related violence in town centres.

The initiative also follows concerns over safety in some London clubs.

Fabric nightclub was saved from the threat of closure last year over four drug-related deaths after bosses were ordered to bring in tough entry conditions, including having to hire seven sniffer dogs.

The Met launched Operation Equinox in an attempt to reduce the number of violent offences by targeting pubs, nightclubs and fast-food outlets.

One initiative is to use breathalysers to screen people getting into clubs.

Police have tested the idea in a small number of clubs in Croydon and now plan a more organised pilot scheme in six different London boroughs.

Chief Inspector Gary Taylor said the anecdotal evidence from clubs in Croydon showed it was a success.

He said: “They 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.”

London nightclub impresario Mark Fuller, who runs the Embassy in Mayfair, welcomed the idea in principle but warned police not to set the limit for the breath test too low.

He said: “I think it’s an excellent idea. I think most violence in clubs comes from people who have had too much to drink and it will create a level playing field. It is a bit Big Brotherish but it will be one rule for all. If you get someone with loads of money who is completely pissed then they do not get it.

“But the opinion of the authorities on alcohol levels compared to what the average person consumes in a night are quite adrift. Club going is meant to be a fun night out so I hope they don’t try and take the fun out of it.”

Police say it is too early to say if the device helped to reduce levels of violence.

A similar scheme has been run in Norwich where signs titled “Are you trollied? #DeepBreath” are displayed in venues explaining that clubbers may be required to take a breath test as a condition of entry.

Your say: Awful idea... or good for people's health?

Lexy Amour, 20, model from Camden

“I think its an awful idea. It’s ridiculous because everyone has a couple of drinks first with friends. The police would just ruin your night. Are we meant to stay sober during the night too? It’s a killjoy idea that will wreck people’s fun.”

Claire Lewis, 31, DJ from Chingford, Essex

“I think its a good idea because guys, sometimes girls, who are tanked up walking into a club can be lairy. But the success depends on the type of club. If it doesn’t open until 3am people will obviously be drunk when they arrive. It’s 24=hour licenses that are the problem.”

Lola Lewis, 27, business development manager from Hackney

“It’s a good thing for health reasons but bad for business. No-one nowadays can afford to go out without having a drink first.”

Aymeric Disegna, 22, student from Mile End

“It’s a bad idea. I could drink four or five times as much inside the club and then I leave I’d be completely drunk. Usually I have one beer at home before I go out, so I’m not sure if it would affect me.”

Dharshan Baskar, 21, student from Mile End.

“It’s a bad idea because the drinks are expensive inside the clubs, especially in places like Mayfair. It could cause problems outside the club and cause more fights if people can’t get in.”

Elettra Di Massa, 20, student from Angel

“If the idea works, then it’s a good thing. No clubs let you in if you’re drunk anyway. London has such a vibrant club scene but the bouncers already have too much power.”

Jessica Sedgley, 31, health worker from Worcester

“I’m in London for one night for a friend’s birthday and I’ve never heard of anything like this before. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Everyone is different and has different limits. It should be everyone’s choice how much to drink.”