County organisations urge 'safe' revelling
Monday, 8th December 2014.
Organisations across Suffolk are urging members of the public to ‘think again’ before having another drink when out celebrating the festive period this December.
As the Christmas party season gets underway this weekend, agencies including Suffolk Police, Suffolk County Council and Public Health want to educate people on the dangers associated with overindulging in alcohol.
Ch Supt Jon Brighton said: "We do see more people than usual take to the pubs and clubs of our towns in December, and we’re urging people to follow our advice so that they don’t put themselves at unnecessary risk this Christmas.”
In order to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime, people are reminded to stick with their friends, never to leave drinks unattended, to avoid walking home alone, and to only accept lifts from licensed taxi companies.
Ch Sup. Brighton said: "Alcohol does make people vulnerable and as a result they’re more likely to become a victim of crime, but it can also increase the chances of committing a crime as alcohol can affect your judgement. That’s why we’re encouraging people to think again before drinking too much.”
Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: "Speaking to officers across the county it’s quite shocking to realise just how much crime and anti-social behaviour is alcohol fuelled.
"It is really important that people take responsibility for their own actions and are aware of the damage that drunken behaviour causes in our communities. So much police time is spent picking up the pieces, we really must take more responsibility for our own actions.
"I have allocated funding to various night-time economy projects such as taxi-marshalling and Best Bar None to keep our towns safe. It is important that we support the local economy to make Suffolk towns a safe place to enjoy an evening out.”
Also being emphasised are the health risks that come with drinking too much, and advice given includes drinking water or soft drinks, and eating well before you start drinking.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk’s Alcohol Strategy Group chair, said: "Over the festive season, it’s important to bear in mind the health implications of over-indulging with alcohol.
"It can impair people’s judgement and coordination both in the immediate term and well into the following day – a figure borne out by an estimated 3,000 people in Suffolk who go to work with a hangover every day.
"By taking a few simple steps to remain hydrated, and pacing alcohol consumption throughout the evening, you can avoid the ill-effects of the morning after, and take better care of yourself for a more enjoyable experience.”
For further information and advice, visit www.suffolk.police.uk or www.healthysuffolk.org.uk
Top tips for a safe night out:
• Drink plenty of water, pacing yourself to ensure you do not become dehydrated. A pint of water before you go to bed can also help see off any headaches.
• Eat well before you drink and your body will be better equipped to soak up the alcohol.
• Don’t be tempted to drink too much before the night begins, pre-drinking might save you money but if you’ve had too much, you will be refused entry to bars and clubs.
• Try turning up to the bar or party later than usual, to minimise your drinking time, or kick off with a soft drink to stop you feeling so thirsty.
• Stick with friends, look out for one another and make sure you all get home safely. Arrange a meeting point and rendezvous times in case you get separated from friends.
•Pre-book safe transport home and do not accept lifts from strangers. Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. Always check the driver's identification and never get into an unlicensed taxi.
•Avoid walking alone and never take short cuts through dark alleys or large open spaces.
•Keep an eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended. Even soft drinks could get spiked.
•Getting behind the wheel after drinking can have tragic consequences, the advice is simple, don’t drink and drive.
As the Christmas party season gets underway this weekend, agencies including Suffolk Police, Suffolk County Council and Public Health want to educate people on the dangers associated with overindulging in alcohol.
Ch Supt Jon Brighton said: "We do see more people than usual take to the pubs and clubs of our towns in December, and we’re urging people to follow our advice so that they don’t put themselves at unnecessary risk this Christmas.”
In order to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime, people are reminded to stick with their friends, never to leave drinks unattended, to avoid walking home alone, and to only accept lifts from licensed taxi companies.
Ch Sup. Brighton said: "Alcohol does make people vulnerable and as a result they’re more likely to become a victim of crime, but it can also increase the chances of committing a crime as alcohol can affect your judgement. That’s why we’re encouraging people to think again before drinking too much.”
Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk said: "Speaking to officers across the county it’s quite shocking to realise just how much crime and anti-social behaviour is alcohol fuelled.
"It is really important that people take responsibility for their own actions and are aware of the damage that drunken behaviour causes in our communities. So much police time is spent picking up the pieces, we really must take more responsibility for our own actions.
"I have allocated funding to various night-time economy projects such as taxi-marshalling and Best Bar None to keep our towns safe. It is important that we support the local economy to make Suffolk towns a safe place to enjoy an evening out.”
Also being emphasised are the health risks that come with drinking too much, and advice given includes drinking water or soft drinks, and eating well before you start drinking.
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk’s Alcohol Strategy Group chair, said: "Over the festive season, it’s important to bear in mind the health implications of over-indulging with alcohol.
"It can impair people’s judgement and coordination both in the immediate term and well into the following day – a figure borne out by an estimated 3,000 people in Suffolk who go to work with a hangover every day.
"By taking a few simple steps to remain hydrated, and pacing alcohol consumption throughout the evening, you can avoid the ill-effects of the morning after, and take better care of yourself for a more enjoyable experience.”
For further information and advice, visit www.suffolk.police.uk or www.healthysuffolk.org.uk
Top tips for a safe night out:
• Drink plenty of water, pacing yourself to ensure you do not become dehydrated. A pint of water before you go to bed can also help see off any headaches.
• Eat well before you drink and your body will be better equipped to soak up the alcohol.
• Don’t be tempted to drink too much before the night begins, pre-drinking might save you money but if you’ve had too much, you will be refused entry to bars and clubs.
• Try turning up to the bar or party later than usual, to minimise your drinking time, or kick off with a soft drink to stop you feeling so thirsty.
• Stick with friends, look out for one another and make sure you all get home safely. Arrange a meeting point and rendezvous times in case you get separated from friends.
•Pre-book safe transport home and do not accept lifts from strangers. Save the number of a licensed taxi firm in your mobile phone. Always check the driver's identification and never get into an unlicensed taxi.
•Avoid walking alone and never take short cuts through dark alleys or large open spaces.
•Keep an eye on your drinks and never leave them unattended. Even soft drinks could get spiked.
•Getting behind the wheel after drinking can have tragic consequences, the advice is simple, don’t drink and drive.
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