Anna posted on February 20, 2012 13:55
Will daily alcohol tests help problem drinkers remain sober?
A pilot scheme is being run in London to test the success of an American method of keeping people sober.
Electronic monitors will measure the level of alcohol in the blood of those taking part.
People convicted of alcohol-related crimes such as assault or criminal damage will be given the option of entering the sobriety scheme over a prison sentence.
If they do not remain sober, the offenders will then be sent to prison.
Supporters of the scheme say it will help problem drinkers to reform and live their normal lives without drink. The Deputy Mayor of London was quoted by the BBC as supporting the scheme, saying that victims of crimes such as alcohol-related domestic violence will hopefully benefit as well as the offenders.
Critics said the scheme was ineffective and would not solve problem drinking or alcohol problems in the long-run. There was also concern about the people surrounding the offenders, who may remain vulnerable to assault, regardless of whether the offender remains sober or not.
Find out more:
Read the BBC News article, 'US-style alcohol tests to be used for problem drinkers'.