There seems to be a very real danger that the introduction of what could be called " a Drunk Tank " - will morph into a " bed and breakfast " option for young revellers. For a start, the police will only convey offenders to a service that will be run by a non government organization. The standards that apply will be at the discretion of that organization.
It seems that " guests " will be supplied with a bed, pyjamas, showers - and have a nice breakfast in the morning. Once sobered up, they will receive freshly laundered clothing to see them on their way. It is likely that access to this sobering up facility will be fairly selective. The aim is to take care of young men and women under the age of thirty who have ventured into the city night spots, had too much to drink - and need protection from their own brand of folly.
Obviously, the facilities will have number restrictions. It will not be offered to hostile drunks in fighting mode and those who get to use it's services will be health monitored - and probably targeted by alcohol reduction agencies for follow up.
It sounds too good to be true - and it probably is ! There is a very real danger that a night in this " health facility " may become some sort of " badge of honour " to young and impressionable people. In particular, it could be an appealing option to those lacking the cab fare to get home after a night out.
We do not want to encourage excess drinking by providing a " soft landing " for drunks. The original purpose of a drunk tank was to protect those at risk from self harm - and keep them safe from the actions of others until they regained a reasonable measure of sobriety. A night in " the drunk tank " was not something to be welcomed - and was not usually a pleasant experience !
This could easily backfire. All it would take is for a few people to start talking up the facility as an experience others " must have " on Facebook and Twitter - and we could see a queue forming for it's services.
The sticking point seems to be the terms set by that " non government organization " that will be the prime provider. People with good intentions can easily lose sight of the objective to be gained and err too heavily on the side of compassion. In this case, the police seem confined to the " gatekeeper " role. They will have the duty of separating the " dangerous drunks " to police cells - and the " good drunks " to the luxury drunk tank.
Perhaps we will learn from this coming experience - but it is also likely that we are entering territory " where angels fear to tread ! "
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