In Derbyshire, police officers, health workers and community safety partnership staff will be speaking to people about the dangers of drinking alcohol before a night out and excessive drinking while out in pubs and clubs. The aim: to remind partygoers of the dangers of ‘pre-loading’ before a night out.
The targets – young adults aged 18 to 25, who may be out shopping for a new Christmas outfit and offering advice on a safe night. There will also be a prize draw for over 18’s to enter which will involve a short quiz about alcohol.
The events are being held as part of the countywide ‘Where will your night end?’ campaign, a joint initiative between police, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council and community safety partnerships across the county.
It aims to reduce alcohol related harm among Christmas partygoers by reminding them how it could end if they drink too much alcohol − in a police cell, in the emergency room or event before it’s started.
Superintendent Gary Parkin, Derbyshire police’s lead on preventing alcohol harm, said: “Speaking to young people during the day when they may be shopping for a new outfit for a night out is one of the ways we are trying to get our message to them to have fun but be safe. Drinking large amounts before going out to pubs and clubs is dangerous. You could end up in a police cell, in the emergency room or you could get left at home as you may be too drunk to go out at all.
“The festive period is a time for people to socialise and enjoy themselves but I want encourage people to be responsible and consider the consequences of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.” Partygoers are advised to take a few steps for a safe night out:
Don’t start too soon − drinking before you leave the house could ruin your night before it’s started;
It’s not a race – opt for singles rather than doubles or a small glass of wine rather than a large and alternate an alcoholic drink with a soft drink;
Make food a part of your evening − either eat before you go out or if you have been unable to buy some food on the way;
Be prepared − book a taxi before you go out and keep your fare separate from your purse/wallet;
Look out for your friends − if someone you know has consumed too much alcohol make sure they get home safely and that someone can monitor them once they are home.
