|
The Christmas season is a chance to socialise most nights of the week for people in Lancashire. Whilst we all like a few drinks at home before going out, the consequences can get ugly if you peak too soon.
That’s why The Safer Lancashire Partnership is advising ‘Make your night last’ this Christmas.
The partnership is running the ‘Make your night last’ campaign from 1 December until the New Year.
The campaign is based on the findings of research carried out by Lancaster University for the Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, which showed a rise in a trend called ‘preloading’- or drinking to get drunk at home before going to a bar or nightclub. The trend often leads to people becoming very drunk earlier in the night and increased levels of crime and other risky behaviour.
The research found that 58% of 18-35 years olds in the region ‘preloaded’ before going out, with more women than men (60% and 55%) drinking to excess before leaving the house. Many mentioned cost as a reason for ‘preloading’, another reason why Christmas often results in more people drinking too much before hitting the town.
Councillor David Smith, Chair of the Safer Lancashire Partnership, said: “We really want people to enjoy themselves at Christmas so this campaign isn’t about removing the fun altogether, its more about encouraging people not to spoil their night by overdoing things before they even make it to the pub or club.”
He added: “When people get too drunk, they are more likely to get involved in fights, end up in A and E, lose their friends and possessions or accidentally cause a fire in their home. This can create a real headache for those who are left to pick up the pieces such as the police, medical staff and fire brigade. They may be so drunk, they won’t even remember what happened but the people who have been left to clear up their mess definitely won’t remember it being a good night out!”
Billboards in Burnley, Preston, Chorley and Lancaster along with posters in bars plus targeted advertising on Facebook will all be used to spread the message that drinking too much before stepping out of the front door can seriously damage your night out. A Facebook page has also been set up to encourage young people to share their tips on how they make their night last longer and safer, whether that is alternating alcoholic drinks with water or making sure your stay with your friends. Visit www.makeyournightlast.co.uk and click through to Facebook to share tips for a top night out. |
