FOOTBALL fans could have their drinks tested for alcohol with swabs to curb Liverpool’s drinking problem.

Executive member for health Cllr Ron Gould has suggested the step, which would also see the soft drinks bottles of underage drinkers tested.

At a Health and Care Services Scrutiny Panel yesterday Cllr Gould said: “Youngsters are emptying Coke bottles and putting alcohol in them and this could easily be stopped.

“Alcohol testing strips should be used to stop people from going into football matches with alcohol.”

The panel agreed to look into the best way to fund the move.

Latest figures show Liverpool has the highest level of alcohol related admissions in England and the panel was yesterday discussing an alcohol reduction strategy to lower levels of consumption and its health consequences.

As part of the plan, regular attendees to hospital with drink related ailments will be offered detox programmes.

Cllr Roz Gladden noted that some licensed shops in the city are serving local children, who they know are not part of a sting operation.