Chester police officers will be running a new initiative aimed at keeping people safe when they are out enjoying themselves at night.

The initiative, which runs from October 3-4, involves supplying door staff at certain locations with breath testing equipment to test the levels of alcohol on anyone who they believe has had too much to drink, before entering the premises.

Chief Superintendent Phil Jones, operational lead, said: "This isn’t about breathalysing everyone who enters a club or pub.

"On any given night, door staff will stop people from entering if they think that they have already had too much to drink. On occasion some of those they stop will argue that they have not had too much to drink - this tool provides staff with a reliable way of finding out if that is the case.

"It’s important to realise that 50% of all violent crime is alcohol related, and drink related anti-social behaviour is the most common form of anti-social behaviour that people experience. We want to make sure that people who enter these premises are not out of control or likely to cause a problem for others already inside trying to enjoy themselves.

"If you are out and have been drinking excessively, or if you have been drinking before you leave home and arrive at a premises clearly having had too much to drink you will be refused entry.

"Chester is a great place to have a night out and this initiative just adds another element of safety for those people choosing to enjoy themselves in our city."

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: "I am delighted that the constabulary has risen to my challenge to implement this initiative as tackling alcohol related crime is a key part of my police and crime plan.

"Take a Breath will do so much to encourage responsible drinking and to educate people about alcohol related harm. I do not want to spoil anyone’s fun but at the same time, I want everyone that lives, works, or studies in Chester to feel safe and be safe as they enjoy a night out in Chester."