East Sussex County Council’s newly-formed Safer Communities Team is working in partnership with Sussex Police, Eastbourne Downs NHS Primary Care Trust, the Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership, the Safer Hastings Partnership and the Lewes Crime Reduction Partnership to promote responsible drinking messages.
The campaigners – collectively known as the ‘Safer Clubbing and Pubbing Task Group (SC&PTG)’ – will launch their alcohol safety poster campaign on Wednesday 19 July in Eastbourne and Hastings. Other SC&PTG ‘have fun stay safe’ materials will be distributed across East Sussex for display in all pubs and clubs.
Various bus shelter sites around Eastbourne will display the SC&PTG responsible drinking messages under the brand name ‘have fun stay safe’. In Hastings the campaign will be promoted on the Safer Hastings Partnership display screens which are situated in high profile public places to drive home the SC&PTG alcohol safety messages.
Councillor Bob Tidy, Lead Cabinet Member for Community Services at the County Council, said: "Summertime is fun for most people and we want residents and visitors in East Sussex to enjoy our bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels. Many of us enjoy a drink which adds to the enjoyment. However, we want people to know their limits and to think about their own personal safety and the safety of others – have fun but be safe.
”Earlier this year, the County Council and its partners launched the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy. Our aim is to reduce alcohol-related harm to individuals, families and communities in East Sussex. We want to promote sensible drinking as well as improve health services and tackle alcohol related crime, so I am very pleased that we are able to give a strong message.”
Four specific issues where drinking too much may spoil the summertime fun will be highlighted by the safety campaigners:
- Alcohol and water don’t mix – don’t go swimming or boating when you’ve been drinking.
- Alcohol and sunshine can make you drowsy – fall asleep on the beach and you could wake up to more than sunburn – you may find your valuables gone.
- Plan your time out and your journey home – don’t drink and drive, summer is the peak time for alcohol related accidents. Always have a designated driver.
- Think carefully – don’t leave the safety of your close friends with someone you hardly know and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know and trust.
Reference:
1017
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