Night-time drinking under the spotlight

The move follows the recent Purple Flag status awarded to Newbury town centre, which recognises its night-time economy and drinking culture as being well managed.
Between 7pm and 11pm, Newbury’s town centre neighbourhood police team, West Berkshire Council’s road safety and public health teams, the Safer Communities Partnership and the street pastors will be in the market place offering advice and information on alcohol.
They aim to illustrate to people the impact that alcohol can have on people’s reactions and remind those drinking to know their limits.
Information on road safety, health and alcohol units will be available, while visitors can also take part in a reactor driving test, which simulates driving while under the influence of alcohol, try on beer goggles and sample free non-alcoholic cocktails.
Inspector John Donachy of Thames Valley Police said: “We want people to enjoy a safe night out in Newbury, but also be aware of the consequences of drinking too much alcohol, as this can often affect their behaviour or compromise their personal safety.
“I’d also urge people to think carefully about how much alcohol they have consumed before driving the morning after.
“It’s quite possible that they will still be over the legal drink drive limit.”
The Purple Flag scheme, similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches, is run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) and is awarded to town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
ATCM assessors visited Newbury in April and found that between 5pm and 5am, the town met the association’s four core standards: wellbeing – welcoming, clean and safe; movement – a secure pattern of arrival, circulation and departure; appeal – a vibrant choice and a rich mix of entertainment and activity; place – a stimulating destination and a vital place to visit.
If you take part in the alcohol awareness activities, let us know what you thought and whether you think it will make people more aware of alcohol consumption by emailing Ellis Barker at ellis.barker@newburynews. co.uk