December 12, 2006

Everyone tends to put a lot of effort into having a good night out in terms of what to wear, where to go and how to get there, but often leave the journey home more a matter of chance.

That is why the Safer Guildford Partnership is promoting a four-week advertising campaign on Guildford buses encouraging safe and sensible drinking. The campaign is all about:

“If you want a drink, stop and think.  How will you get home – bus, taxi, lift?  Plan your journey in advance and get home safely.”

The Safer Guildford Crime and Reduction Partnership working with Surrey Drug and Alcohol Advisory Service has targeted business in the borough with a letter suggesting that instead of treating employees to ‘free’ wine at the office party, perhaps the money could be better spent by putting it towards safe transport home. 

Cllr, Fiona White, County Councillor for Guildford West said:

“Bosses who might often treat their employees with a ‘free drinks’ or money towards the wine bill at the Christmas ‘do’ might like to buy their staff possibly the best present ever instead – and pay for a safe journey home by putting the money towards transport via bus, taxi, minibus or train.”

Everyone likes a good night out, but make sure yours doesn’t turn into a nightmare home by sharing these important tips with your friends and colleagues:

• Don’t get stranded out in the cold. Book your taxi home in advance and make sure you have the telephone number of a local taxi company in your mobile phone.
• Plan ahead and decide how many drinks you will have. 
• If you intend to have a few drinks, plan to catch a cab or a lift with someone who has not been drinking - or stay the night! 
• Look after your friends. If you think someone else has had too much to drink, arrange a lift home for them with someone who hasn’t been drinking, call them a cab, or let them stay for the night. Remember it is the season of goodwill!

And if you want to avoid that horrendous hangover:

• Finish each drink before you have another and avoid top-ups. 
• Only time will sober you up. Food, coffee, a cold shower, fresh air or vomiting will not. 
• Alternate alcoholic and non or low alcohol drinks. 
• Eat before and while you drink to fill your stomach and reduce the amount of drinks you have. Avoid salty foods as this will only make you thirsty.
• Remember that after a big night you can still have alcohol in your system, so don't be in a rush to get behind the wheel. Chances are, you will still be over the limit. 
• Better still if you plan to have a few drinks, don't drive.

If you have any queries or would like further information:

Contact: Lorraine Kerswill, Communications Officer for Safer Guildford Partnership
Tel: 01483 444210

Contact: Nicola Burress, Press and Publicity Officer for West Surrey police
Tel: 01483 653924  

Notes to Editor
The Safer Guildford Partnership comprises Guildford Borough Council, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council (including Surrey Fire and Rescue), Surrey Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service, The Probation Service, Guildford and Waverley Primary Care Trust and the Youth Offending Team.  Even though Surrey is the safest county in   England, the Partnership is working to make Guildford an even safer place to live, work and visit.

With a remit to make the borough safer and healthier, paying attention to reducing fear of crime, the Safer Guildford Partnership addresses key areas of local concern through six themed project groups made up of the Partners and other voluntary and local groups. These multi-agency projects include burglary, vehicle crime, street drinking, safe places for young people, safety in public places, truancy, safer public transport, and speeding traffic, as well as a number of national priorities such as domestic violence and drugs.

A great deal has been achieved so far with Surrey and Guildford maintaining one of the lowest crime rates in the country.