Belmont to use breathalyzers on students before dances

BELMONT (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) – On the Belmont High School Wikipedia page, it's known simply as the "luau school."

In 2005, several Belmont High School students were rushed to the hospital with alcohol poisoning.

The dance ended early that year, and 12 students were suspended.

Since then, Belmont High School administrators have slashed the number of dances every year at the school and reduced the hours.

However, that hasn't reportedly stopped students from showing up drunk.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kingston says Belmont is putting together a plan to reduce drinking at school functions, and it involves the use of breathalyzers.

The students will be educated as to how the small device can detect even trace amounts of alcohol in the body.

Dr. Kingston says the tests will be administered by Belmont police officers who will meet student as they come through the door.

The practice is already happening in other Massachusetts cities and towns, but it is a first in this northwest suburb.

If the plan works, administrators hope to begin a new era of social functions at the high school.

Cox Media Group