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The technology was trialled in Wales and showed that offenders stayed sober for more than 95% of days monitored.
Offenders who commit alcohol-driven crimes could be ordered to wear a tag that takes a sample of their sweat every 30 minutes and alerts the probation service if alcohol is detected. They face further court sentences or fines if caught breaching a ban.
Minister for crime and policing, Kit Malthouse, said: “These tags have already brought enormous benefit to Wales since they were introduced in October, with one offender I met saying it not only changed his ways but also saved his life.
“This smart and powerful new tool is helping the fight against alcohol-fuelled violence which ruins too many lives and families and creates mayhem in our town centres.”
The tags can distinguish the difference between drinks and other types of alcohol – such as hand sanitiser or perfume. They work all day and can also tell if someone tries to block contact between the tag and their skin.
The government is addressing the root causes of crime, tackling factors such as addiction, homelessness and mental health, and recently unveiled an extra £148m package to target drugs-related crime.
