Christmas drink driving campaign launched

The 2016 Think Safe, Drink Safe Christmas Campaign for Denbighshire is underway to promote safe and responsible drinking in our communities.

It is aimed at ensuring visitors to Denbighshire can enjoy a safe and relaxed night out during the festive period. 

It also aims to promote responsible drinking and prevent and reduce levels of alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti-social behaviour at this time of year.

This year’s Think Safe Drink Safe campaign is taking on a regional and local element to highlight the significant pressures that front line operational services are put under at this time of year including police, ambulance and A&E departments. 

Resources are often put under increasing pressure as key personnel have to deal with extra cases of alcohol related incidence, whilst continuing to support already over-stretched services.

The public are encouraged to take part in a specially designed quiz aimed at raising awareness of alcohol consumption. This is available via the North Wales Police website http://www.north-wales.police.uk

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Community Safety,  said: “We know that Christmas and the New Year is an extremely busy time. We want visitors to Denbighshire to enjoy themselves but we frequently find that people drink too much during the festive season.

"Our aim is to encourage people to have a good time but to drink responsibly. Excessive drinking can affect behaviour and lead to serious consequences. The message is simple - anti social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and anyone behaving irresponsibly will be dealt with appropriately and quickly ensuring that Denbighshire  is a safe place to come and enjoy a night out.”

Superintendent Jane Banham, of North Wales Police, said: “We want people to enjoy the festive season, but we know from experience that at this time of year some people will come to harm due to alcohol excess and it is the emergency services and local councils who are left picking up the pieces.

“The aim of this campaign is to ensure that those who consume and sell alcohol take responsibility for their actions.

“We make a significant contribution to keeping our town centres safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.

“North Wales Police, working with our partners, will ensure that pubs, clubs, shops and drinkers are complying with the law. Those who don’t will be dealt with robustly. 

“The message is simple – think safe, drink safe.”