A SELF-service watercooler has been installed at a bar in Tavistock, as part of a project aimed at getting party-goers to drink more water while on a night out.

Research has shown that making water freely available can help reduce the problems caused by heavy drinking, including anti-social behaviour and violent crime.

The initiative, called Project H20, is being supported by West Devon Borough Council, South Devon and Dartmoor Community Safety Partnership and the police.

It is based on a pilot scheme in Gloucester which resulted in a significant drop in public disorder incidents at a nightclub in the city following the installation of a water dispenser.

Jack Cham's Lounge Bar in West Street in Tavistock is the first licensed premises in West Devon to join

Project H20.

Landlord Glen Duff said: 'I'm a great advocate of controlled drinking and this may have some benefit in helping with crime and disorder which doesn't happen a lot in Tavistock but anything that reduces the risk is of benefit to me and the local community.

'During a recent rugby match, being screened at my bar, some of my regulars were having a cup of water alongside their pint of beer, which I have never seen before.

'It's early days but I will be very interested to see how this project progresses.'

Grant funding of £11,500 from the Safer Devon Partnership, the police  and Devon DAAT (Drug and Alcohol Action Team) will pay for water dispensers to be installed at 47 selected licensed venues across Devon for one year.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the borough council's community services committee chairman, said: 'This is such a simple measure and yet the benefits are huge. It's the accessibility of the watercooler that will help encourage people to drink more water without the need to queue at the bar.

'It also has the potential to make a real contribution towards community safety and reduce the level of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.'

Devon-based water supply company, Thirsty Works, is providing the water dispensers after sponsoring an initial pilot project in Exeter.

Easy access to a water dispenser can encourage customers to drink more water, diluting their alcoholic drinks and slowing down or reducing their levels of intoxication. It also helps reduce dehydration and combat body overheating.

Sgt Richard Crosby, who manages licensing officers across Devon, said: 'This joint project is the first of its kind in Devon and already it's proving effective in raising awareness of the value of keeping oneself hydrated when drinking alcohol.  The project is having a positive effect on helping reduce the impact of late night anti social behaviour.'

Since 2010, all pubs and clubs have been required by law to provide free tap water to customers. However, evidence suggests having water dispensers available, in addition, is more effective because people can help themselves on impulse without the need to queue at the bar where they may be tempted to have another alcoholic drink instead.

It is hoped that if the project is successful it can be extended, if sufficient funding can be found.