Newcastle University to introduce weekly breathalyser tests to combat binge drinking

Newcastle University is to introduce weekly breathalyser tests to combat binge drinking among students.

In a leaked email seen by The Newcastle Tab, the university explained that an increased number of students have been “observed attending under the influence of alcohol or suffering from its aftereffects”.

Therefore the new policy will require students to undertake a mandatory breathalyser test on a weekly basis in order to attend their lecture.

The email explained how these tests would be at the discretion of staff, and that attendance would not be marked unless students passed the test with a negative result.

It read: “In an effort to ensure a productive learning environment, students will now be required to pass a breathalyser test before being allowed to enter lectures and scan their attendance.

“The timing of these tests will be at the discretion of university management, and students may be asked to participate at any point before a lecture begins. Those who fail the test will be denied entry and marked as absent.”

An anonymous source from Newcastle University revealed to The Newcastle Tab that they believed the ban would only be trialled for certain subjects and lectures, those of which were most often the subjects of complaints. According to the source, the subjects likely to be affected are “agriculture, medicine and modern languages” but also believed that tests would likely take place in Thursday morning lectures.

They explained how an increased staff presence will be felt on campus in order to ensure the smooth transition of the new initiative: “There will be staff outside lectures now to assist in the smooth running of tests but management is yet to find a quicker alternative.”

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The email said the ban would be implemented in the academic year of 2025/26 and that the decision was made to “maintain a safe environment inside of the SU”.

It added how the policy would be implemented from April 31st, but it did not confirm which degree subjects or timetables would be affected.

April, a media and culture student at Newcastle University, told The Newcastle Tab of her outrage over the new rule: “It is a violation of our rights as students in Newcastle – is the SU going to provide an alternative way to socialise in Newcastle? If I can’t binge drink a little the night before a lecture, then I just won’t go to the lectures full stop.”

However other students seem to be in support of the new initiative. Brett, a third year history student, voiced his support for the ban, understanding the recent shambolic behaviour of students across campus. He said “I get it, I am sick of students dressed as Smurfs falling asleep in lectures after carrying in their stolen roadside sign and reeking of a post night out kebab. Every time I am too drunk to go to a lecture, I just don’t go. My attendance is 34 per cent, and I don’t suffer for it.”

It seems that Newcastle University is finally cracking down on the notorious binge drinking culture among students after the standard of learning has somewhat slipped, particularly after a rowdy Wednesday sports night on the toon.

You should probably check the date, you April fools!