Launched by the Prévention & Modération association, the “Take Time to Breathe” campaign deploys throughout the summer, in about twenty night establishments in the PACA region, interactive kiosks allowing customers to test their blood alcohol level for free.
Party, of course, but not at the expense of safety. All summer, several establishments have decided to install the Fline Box, fun and educational breathalyzer kiosks. The goal: to reduce alcohol-related driving accidents with a tool that is accessible, reliable, and free for all.
The device was installed on June 27 at the Loka Bar in Cannes. And it’s already experiencing great success: “The machine is used every night, and customer feedback is excellent!” confides Ludo Leroyer, the bar manager.
A simple, free, and educational tool
Its usage is very straightforward. The user first answers a few questions (age, gender, mode of transportation planned…) Then, simply take a disposable straw distributed by the kiosk, unpack it, and insert it into the designated slot. Blow and wait a few seconds. The Fline Box then displays the blood alcohol level along with advice to ensure a safe return.
The Fline Box units are designed by the French company Fline. Awarded by the WHO and the Ministry of the Interior, they are equipped with the same system used by law enforcement and only require a simple power outlet to operate.
For the president of UMIH 06, Alain Lahouti, it was important to equip night establishments: “It’s an operation that resonates with us, we’re concerned about what happens during the night, but also when clients hit the road afterwards.” He praises a useful, free, and fully informative tool: “You blow, you see your level, but above all you receive clear advice on what to do. It’s concrete, practical, and without judgment.” continues Alain Lahouti.
It also allows the reinforcement of essential messages:
- A half pint of beer = a glass of wine = a cocktail
- No alcohol for minors
- No alcohol during pregnancy
- 0.5 g/L in blood = the threshold not to be exceeded
Regarding the city of Nice, four establishments are also participating in the operation: Nuits Blanches, Obsession, Fish Bar 2.0, and Klubber Sarl Kult.
This testing period was strategically chosen. The French Riviera is a hotspot for partygoers and vacationers during July and August. “We chose the PACA region because it’s a major tourist area where unfortunately alcohol-related accidents are still too frequent.” explains Antoine Cardon, General Delegate of Prévention & Modération. Because yes, in 2023, 258 people lost their lives on the roads in the region and 30% of fatal accidents involved excessive alcohol consumption.
