New alcohol testing kits to help tackle underage drinking

A new initiative will help Nottinghamshire Police crack down on underage drinking. Rapid alcohol testing kits are being sent out to police officers across the South Nottinghamshire Division.

The alcohol testing kits will help officers quickly determine whether someone underage is drinking alcohol by testing any liquids they are carrying.

Police licensing officer Rob Turnell said: “These kits will help us to tackle underage drinking more effectively. In a matter of minutes, officers dealing with someone under eighteen who they suspect of drinking alcohol, will be able to tell if they are or not. It will certainly help when the liquid is in a soft drink can or bottle.”

The alcohol testing kits consist of a plastic strip and a small receptacle. The end of the plastic strip is sensitive to alcohol found in alcoholic drinks and will change colour when in contact with it. So where alcohol is suspected, the police officer will pour the liquid into the container and dip the plastic strip into it. If alcohol is present, the strip will change colour.

Mr Turnell added: “This is just one of the ways in which we are tackling underage drinking. The consumption of alcohol by under eighteens has adverse effects on both their health and behaviour.”

Anyone under eighteen found with alcohol will have their details taken and their parents will be informed. The alcohol will also be confiscated.