Breath test will stop drunk teens crashing parties, say police

Police and door staff in Hambleton and Richmondshire have been given two Lion Alcoblow devices thanks to a grant from the local community safety partnership.

It will be available for venues holding under 18s parties and where there has been a history of alcohol-related disorder.

PC Matthew Balmforth, of North Yorkshire Police’s Alcohol Licensing Unit, said: “It will ensure that drunk youngsters do not get into the venue and cause a disturbance and spoil the party.

“It will be a condition that anyone wanting to enter the premises whose breath alcohol level is in any doubt will be asked to provide a specimen of breath.

“We know the police may get an increase in calls to deal with people declined entry but our officers will use appropriate legislative powers to ensure those people disperse safely away from the area.”

North Yorkshire Police revealed yesterday that Acting Superintendent Simon Lovell is taking over as commander for the Hambleton and Richmondshire area.

He replaces Superintendent Andy McMillan, who has been in the post since 2012. Mr Lovell will remain in charge of the Craven Safer Neighbourhood Command, where he has been based since April 2012.

He said: “I have lived in Northallerton for 23 years and consider myself a local officer, and that my family and I are part of the community. To be returning to somewhere I know so well is fantastic.

“I am looking forward to the challenges that policing Hambleton and Richmondshire as well as Craven will pose.