Christmas revellers warned: “Don’t put yourself at risk”

Festive revellers in Cambridgeshire have been urged to “stay safe and drink sensibly” on the back of a national campaign warning people of the dangers of excessive alcohol.

Throwing his support behind Alcohol Awareness Week, which runs from November 16 to 22, Cambridgeshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Sir Graham Bright said reckless drinking could seriously undermine people’s safety, their health and their relationship with the law, warning that ‘one too many’ on a night out could result in a criminal record.

“At this time of year, our town centres and city become the focus of the festive spirit with office gatherings and Christmas parties getting in full swing,” said Sir Graham

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s enjoyment but it’s pertinent to spell out the consequences of drinking irresponsibly. Our emergency services teams know only too well how damaging binge drinking can be to health and the role it plays in crime.

“If you’re on a night out and having second thoughts about whether to have another drink this Christmas, then the simple answer is ‘don’t’. You could be saving yourself from behaviour you will most likely regret.”

Alcohol Awareness Week is run by charity Alcohol Concern and encourages the public to adopt safer drinking levels as well as raise awareness about the impact on health of excessive drinking.

Throughout the festive period, Cambridgeshire Constabulary will be running its seasonal drink drive campaign to protect road users from those who flout drink drive laws.

Officers will be carrying out checks over the next few weeks to enforce the law and have warned motorists to think twice before driving the morning after a night out drinking, as it is possible they are still over the limit.

“I wholeheartedly support this approach and urge those planning on enjoying a night out in Cambridgeshire this Christmas to know their limit and stop well before the damage occurs.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
Alcohol Awareness Week runs from November 16-22 and sees local authorities, treatment providers and other agencies and organisations working together to raise awareness of alcohol issues and the impact it can have on health.

This year’s theme is “The Impact of Alcohol on Health and Society”.