THE Hermitage and the Seven Stars pubs in Kingsbridge have now joined Coast nightclub in assisting Kingsbridge police’s ‘Ru2drunk?’ initiative.

Sergeant Dave Green, Kingsbridge Police, said: ‘This is an idea initially trialled by police and licensees in Torbay to great effect, which seeks to prevent alcohol related crime and disorder.’

Licensees are trained by police in the use of hand held breathalyser devices, which they can use as an additional means to identify people who are excessively drunk and who may cause disorder if they were continued to be served alcohol.

Landlords and their staff often rely on their own experience and judgement when deciding whether to refuse service or deny entry. This project doesn’t replace that sound personal judgement, but supports staff in making sensible decisions aimed at ensuring that all who wish to enjoy a sociable evening out are able to do so in safe and convivial surroundings. Kingsbridge is already one of the safest places to visit. Local police are keen to support town centre businesses in providing a positive experience for their customers, and are happy to extend this scheme to any other pubs in the area that would like to take part.