Located on the banks of the Yarra River in Southbank, Crown Melbourne is one of Australia’s largest integrated resorts — a sprawling destination that blends luxury accommodation, award-winning restaurants, vibrant bars, and one of the most iconic casinos in the country.
With thousands of patrons flowing through daily and alcohol service available across multiple venues, Crown carries a significant responsibility: ensuring that entertainment doesn’t come at the cost of safety.
To support this, Crown has partnered with Andatech to roll out breathalyser technology that empowers patrons to make informed, responsible choices around alcohol consumption and driving.
The challenge: Safety without confrontation
As a major hospitality hub, Crown Melbourne serves alcohol across bars, nightclubs, and hotel venues — all within a single complex. While trained security personnel and responsible service of alcohol (RSA) protocols are in place, the team wanted to provide an additional safety measure that guests could use themselves: a discreet, self-initiated breath test.
The goal? Reduce alcohol-related risks, support responsible decision-making, and give guests confidence — especially when considering driving home.
The solution: Soberpoint units across the precinct
Crown now employs 22 Andatech Soberpoint breathalysers across the premises. These self-service units are available at key locations, including:
- Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues (16 units)
- Various parking lots throughout the complex (6 units)
Initially, the units operated on a coin-based system, with each test costing $2 per blow. While this provided a convenient way to manage usage, changing consumer behaviour around cash usage — particularly post-COVID — prompted Crown to shift to a tap-and-blow system, ensuring better accessibility for patrons.
“We moved away from coin-operated units because guests prefer contactless options — the tap-and-blow system just makes sense.”
— Ali Bashir, Responsible Service of Alcohol Manager, Crown Melbourne
The impact: Thousands of tests — and peace of mind
On average, Crown guests conduct nearly 2,000 breath tests per month, with that number climbing to over 2,600 in December during the holiday peak. The uptake demonstrates not only the effectiveness of the rollout but also the real demand for tools that enable safer choices.
“With this level of use each month, the breathalysers pretty much pay for themselves. It’s a smart investment in patron safety.”
These devices offer guests an objective, anonymous way to check their BAC, reducing the likelihood of impaired driving and encouraging accountability — without the need for staff confrontation or intervention.
Part of a broader safety commitment
Andatech breathalysers form part of Crown’s broader approach to responsible service. Security teams across the venue are also trained to recognise signs of intoxication and step in when necessary — offering guidance, support, or alternative transport options to guests.
Together, these layers of support help create a culture of safety, care, and responsibility throughout the precinct.
A message to the industry
When asked what advice he’d give to other hospitality or entertainment venues, Ali didn’t hesitate:
“Every licensed venue should consider having a breathalyser available — even just one. It’s a simple way to support safety, just in case.”
Looking to do the same at your venue?
Explore how Andatech breathalysers can help you build a safer, more responsible space:
👉 Learn more about venue breathalysers
