Police in Lynn were working alongside staff at the nightclub to pilot a new hand-held AlcoBlow device which is used to detect the presence of alcohol on breath.

It was the first time the device has been used in the town and plans are now under way to use the system at a similar event for 14 to 17-year-olds.

The equipment has been purchased by the Lynn Nightsafe project to help curb alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the town.

Project co-ordinator Sergeant Paul Graves said: "We worked with Zoots to make the AlcoBlow test a condition of entry, the net result being that 20 to 30 young people were turned away before their night had even started.

"The device will be used again tomorrow and the parent or guardian of any youngster who turns up under the influence can expect a phone call from the police asking them to come to pick them up."

Subjects are asked to gently blow into the device which detects whether or not they have alcohol in their breath.
The device can also be waved in front of someone's mouth or an open drink to detect the presence of alcohol.

Zoots manager Chris Sinden told the Lynn News: "Anyone entering Zoots is subject to security checks and for the youth events cigarettes, chewing gum and alcohol are all banned.

"The AlcoBlow will bolster our checks at the door to ensure that those entering can enjoy their night out in a safe environment."

The devices will be used by officers across the town in any area or venue where under-age drinking is a problem.