City’s Euro 2016 responsible drinking warning
REVELLERS in Liverpool planning nights out to watch the Euro 2016 football tournament are being warned their night could be cut short if they get too drunk.
A campaign, using the slogan ‘Drink Less Enjoy More’, warns bar staff may refuse to serve them if they have had too much alcohol.
It encourages young people to cut back on how much they drink at home before going out – so-called ‘pre-loading’ – as well as how much they consume when visiting bars, pubs and clubs.
The initiative is organised by Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, CitySafe and Liverpool NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and aims to raise awareness of the 2003 Licensing Act, which states it is illegal to buy alcohol for someone who is clearly drunk and for bar staff to serve someone who is clearly drunk.
Both offences are punishable with a fine of up to £1,000 and premises found to be serving people who are clearly drunk are also at risk of being stripped of their licence – but research shows only half of people are aware of the law.
The council’s Alcohol and Tobacco Unit staff have been running training sessions to support bar staff to confidently refuse service to someone who is clearly drunk.
Research carried out by Liverpool John Moores University during a similar campaign last year showed a dramatic increase in the number of people turned away.
Merseyside Police will be actively enforcing the laws in Liverpool City Centre in order to reduce drunkenness.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “We want everyone to enjoy Euro 2016 – it should be a wonderful tournament and there will be many places around Merseyside showing the games, in particular those involving the home nations. We are not out to spoil anyone’s fun but we will not tolerate anti-social or criminal behaviour.
“We know that around 50% of all violent crimes committed are alcohol related and that if you drink at home, then go out, you are more likely to be involved in violence, either as a victim or as an offender.
“Liverpool’s night time economy is rightly famous and the city has a well-deserved reputation as a safe and vibrant place to enjoy a night out, retaining its Purple Flag status earlier this year.
“We want to ensure people visiting the city to watch games in licensed premises leave with memories of a fantastic afternoon or evening watching the football and are keen to come back when the tournament is over.”
