Residents given advice on alcohol awareness

As part of National Alcohol Awareness Week (19 to 23 October), Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s community safety experts will be in the town centre to give out help and advice on drinking responsibly.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, staff from the council’s community safety and community development teams will at the Top of Town giving out information on the dangers of drinking too much, planning your journey home and crime and anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol.

The team will also be handing out special scratch cards to support the Hampshire NHS ‘rethink your drink’ campaign. The cards help people identify how much they’re really drinking each week.

Other initiatives taking place throughout the week include the police carrying out test purchases to try to combat underage drinking, and alcohol awareness leaflets will be available in the town centre pubs and clubs. The Street Pastors will also continue to give out Play Safe, Stay Safe packs to people they feel are vulnerable in the town centre on Friday night.

Cabinet member for Community Safety, Development and Transport Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Most people like to have a drink from time to time, but it’s important that those who do drink excessively understand the consequences of this both in terms of health and the impact this can have on the wider community.
“Most reports of violent crime are associated with alcohol, so we want to ensure that people have the information, advice and support available to get help if needed.”

For more information about the health implications associated with alcohol, visit the Hampshire NHS website at www.hampshire.nhs.uk/rethinkyourdrink.

The Community Safety and Community Development teams will be at the Top of Town on Tuesday (2pm to 3pm), Wednesday (3.30pm to 5.30pm) or Thursday (6pm to 8pm).