Little support on breath-test proposal

Breath testing patrons before they enter Bunbury’s pubs and clubs is not likely to be supported by pub owners, according to a Bunbury licensee.

Parade Hotel licensee and member of the Bunbury Liquor Accord, Andrew Parkinson, said while it would not be a bad idea to breath test patrons, it would more than likely not be economically viable.

‘‘It all comes down to cost,’’ Mr Parkinson said.

He said breath testing of patrons would require the licensed premises to put on extra security and that local bars were ‘‘already scraping the bottom of the barrel’’ with profits.

‘‘At the end of the day it’s all about culture,’’ he said.

He said it was not uncommon for patrons to arrive at a pub or club already intoxicated and that the younger generation would ‘‘power drink’’ before they went out.

Younger girls especially would go to a bottle shop and buy a carton of premixed alcohol and power drink that, Mr Parkinson said.

‘‘That’s a problem for us. They look fine when they come in and within half n hour they are vomiting in the toilets,’’ he said.

Mr Parkinson said breath testing patrons was not the answer.

‘‘It’s about education,’’ he said.

Mr Parkinson said he was assaulted outside the Parade Hotel over the Easter holidays after telling people that it was illegal to drink in the street.

Acting Sgt Tony Strang from the South West Liquor Enforcement Unit said he had heard of pubs breath testing patrons in Perth, but he did not think Bunbury pubs would take it up.

‘‘It’s OK, it gives you an indication but it doesn’t tell you how they will react once they are inside,’’ Sgt Strang said.

‘‘It’s not foolproof when it’s used in this way.’’