DRINKERS will be photographed and fingerprinted before going into a bar in a bid to crack down on underage drinking.

Just So Caf in Castle Street, Trowbridge, is the first venue in the county to bring in the revolutionary new system.

The Intouch system, brought in on Wednesday, means customers now have a scan of their fingerprint and a photo taken when they enter. This is then added to a database along with their date of birth and address, taken from valid ID such as a passport or driving licence, so they can be identified each time they visit the bar.

Licensee Sue Drew, along with the town's Pubwatch scheme and police are hoping if it is successful it will be adopted by other pubs in Trowbridge, allowing the systems to be linked together. Ms Drew said: "The database eliminates underage drinkers and makes it a safer environment.

"We get a lot of younger people trying to get in at the weekends and with this new system they won't even bother coming to the door.

"The system is already in place in Yeovil and they've taken to it well. All the systems are linked so one pub can let the others know if someone has created trouble in their establishment."

She added: "People are less likely to cause trouble if they know they've given their fingerprints and details at the door," she said.

Bill Austin from Trowbridge Pubwatch said the group welcomed the scheme and were planning to visit the pub to see it in action.

"I think it will definitely cut the amount of underage drinkers. They have to provide proof of age like a passport or driving licence to be added to the database," he said. "Those who try and get in without membership will be asked for ID if they look under 21, as Pubwatch advises all members in the town."

He said his only doubt was people who visited the town and would not be on the database and said if it was adopted by other establishments it would be up to licensees whether membership was compulsory.

"Certainly initially there will be a choice whether they want to sign up but it will be more convenient for people to join with shorter queues or entry for a £1 cheaper. If someone is a regular there may be more benefits.

"From a security point of view the majority of people in the establishment will be identified making it easier for police to do follow-ups as well as being an added insurance for customers."

Inspector Dave Cullop, of Trowbridge Police, said the system was a significant step in the fight against underage drinking and booze-fuelled violence in the town.

"We are very pleased Just So is taking the initiative because there is a problem with underage drinking, which is related to violent crime, in the centre of Trowbridge," he said.

"We fully support any licensees looking at the initiative to make their establishment a safer place.

"It's very encouraging what Sue has decided to do. It is quite revolutionary. She's spoken to lots of customers and many have said what they want is a safe environment, which this will provide."