Locked and loaded, it's just another night in the Valley

YOUNG people 'pre-load' before going out in Fortitude Valley, one of the three entertainment precincts singled out by the state for a Drink Safe trial.

UNABLE to walk in a straight line, they criss-cross their way across the mall.

Occasionally one stumbles and needs to be picked up by a friend. Others need to be carried along  and it's still three hours until the 3am nightclub lockout.

Welcome to Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, one of the three entertainment precincts singled out by the State Government for a Drink Safe trial aimed at cracking down on alcohol-fuelled violence.

Armed with a breathalyser, The Sunday Mail hit Brunswick St Mall on Friday night to find out how much young people were drinking and whether they felt safe.

Shauna, 18, who blew .047 at 10pm, said she had no concern for her safety as long as she was with a group of friends.

Jonathon, 20, who registered .081 at 11pm, said there were a lot of ``idiots'' in the Valley.

Katherine, 24, who blew .107 at 1am, said she wouldn't walk the streets after 4am for fear of being attacked.

Many Valley revellers said they drank at home until they were ``all liquored up'' and then came into the entertainment precinct looking for something to do.

``It's too expensive to drink here,'' was a regular comment.

Most young partygoers were eager to be breath-tested, with some celebrating high readings as a victory.

Paul, 19, recorded the highest reading of .226 at 1.30am.

``Woo hoo, I win,'' he said.

Police on duty in the mall said Saturday night was bigger than Friday nights and that most of the problems happen in the very early hours.

University of Queensland and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital addiction expert Dr Mark Daglish said drinking at home before going out was a growing trend, particularly among young women.

``It is called pre-loading,'' he said.

``They drink bottles of cheap wine and other types of alcohol while they get dressed up.''