Drunks to be filmed by clinic in hope to crack down on binge drinking

Drunken party-goers who stumble into health clinics after a night out could be shown footage of themselves in a bid to crack down on binge drinking.

Health officials in Wales hope that if drinkers see their behaviour they will be shamed into sobriety.

The scheme, which is being piloted at a new healthcare facility in Cardiff, will be evaluated by academics at Cardiff University to determine its effectiveness.

If successful, it could be rolled out across the rest of Wales.

A new triage unit in the city will take in drunken patients, which will also ease the burden on bulging accident and emergency wards. After drinkers have sobered up they will be given the option of watching the footage.

Conrad Eydmann, head of substance misuse strategy and development, based at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, told the Western Mail: "We're looking at securing camera equipment inside the building. There will be a basic capacity to film people on arrival and as they leave.

"Part of that will include the option for individuals to review the video of their arrival. It indicates how alcohol can affect their behaviour.

"Our intention is that the vast majority of people will be surprised and hopefully concerned about the state of their behaviour."

Mr Eydmann said the footage would not be stored or used for any other purpose.

PA