Story Published: May 8, 2009 at 5:05 PM PST
The device is already being put in local bars, but police say it could be a mixed blessing.
“We want our customers to go ahead and enjoy their time, but at the same time have an awareness so they don't be out drinking and driving,” Sandra Bonilla said from Uncle Sam’s Saloon.
Uncle Sam's is one of the bars in the Tri-Cities where these breathalyzer machines have gone in.
They say it's been pretty popular, for $2 customers can learn their blood alcohol level.
Uncle Sam's says they use it as a tool to gauge just how drunk someone is, if they see someone intoxicated they'll front the 2 bucks to see if they should call a cab.
However, cops are wary people will use it as a toy.
“It's no different than a pinball machine or something else that you can have that's going to be played for entertainment value,” Captain Mike Cobb from the Richland Police Department said.
Cops say they worry it will become a drinking game.
“The downside of this is sometimes people will engage in contests to see who can get their blood alcohol to a certain point the fastest, who can get their blood alcohol the highest, those pose significant health hazards,” Captain Mike Cobb from the Richland Police Department said.
Another worry is people drinking right up to the limit, but cops warn you're setting yourself up, because the machines don't go through the state's standards of accuracy.
Richland Police say they've had problems with DUI’s; the numbers are up 61% so far this year from last year so they hope it helps, but only time will tell.
