Thousands of UK offenders get alcohol consumption tracked in New Year

(MENAFN) In England and Wales, around 5,000 offenders are having their alcohol consumption tracked over the New Year period using electronic tags that detect alcohol through the wearer’s sweat, according to government statements. These devices are worn by individuals released from prison or serving community sentences.

The monitoring aims to prevent alcohol consumption during a period typically associated with increased drinking and to reduce the risk of alcohol-related reoffending. The technology operates continuously, sending automatic alerts to probation officers if alcohol is detected. Officers can respond by ordering the offender back to court or returning them to prison.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Alcohol-driven crime causes real harm to victims and communities, and piles extra pressure on our emergency services. Tackling it head-on is vital to make our streets safer. These tags act as a physical and constant reminder to offenders that there’s no room for slip-ups – one drink and they could find themselves back in court or even behind bars.”

Government data indicates that offenders subject to alcohol bans remain sober on 97% of the days they wear the tags. The devices are sophisticated enough to differentiate between foods containing trace amounts of alcohol, such as mince pies, and alcoholic drinks that could cause intoxication.

Research on electronic monitoring more broadly has also shown positive effects. A study published in August found that thieves and burglars fitted with GPS tracking tags were about 20% less likely to reoffend. Similar reductions were observed among offenders wearing curfew tags restricting them to their homes during designated hours.

MENAFN05012026000045017281ID1110555120