There are believed to be about 16 drunk tanks operating in the UK, including two in Belfast. The Bristol drunk tank is essentially a converted lorry kitted out with rows of wipe-clean beds staffed by paramedics. Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty ImagesSimon Moore, a professor of public health research at Cardiff University, is leading a research project into the effectiveness of drunk tanks. Hospitals in towns and cities operating alcohol intoxication management services – the official name for drunk tanks – see around 40% fewer assaults on A&E staff, the evidence suggests. “There are some incredibly drunk people [in the drunk tanks] and some lose control,” Moore said.

Source: The Guardian December 29, 2017 00:00 UTC