Police: Safety advice for Christmas party-goers

Greater Manchester Police is appealing to party-goers to stay safe this Friday by drinking responsibly, treating others with respect and avoiding trouble to have a night to remember rather than one that they would prefer to forget.

Police warn however that anyone spoiling the celebrations for others through drink fuelled violence and antisocial behaviour can expect to finish their night out in a custody cell. This comes in the run up to what is expected to be the busiest night of the year for pubs and clubs across the county.

As well as drinking responsively by pacing drinks, alternating alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks and including a meal in their evening out police also advise party-goers to stay with friends and watch out for each other. They also say that people should plan how they are going to get home safely before they go out and only take black cabs or taxis they have booked.

Officers say that there will be increased patrols throughout the afternoon today (Friday 16 December) continuing until dawn tomorrow. These will be concentrating on known trouble hotspots and identifying and nipping any drink fuelled antisocial behaviour in the bud before it can develop into anything more serious.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan from Greater Manchester Police said: “Having a drink or two, letting your hair down with friends and enjoying the vibrant nightlife that our town and city centres offer is part and parcel of many people’s Christmas celebrations.

“We are happy to play our role in this by looking out for people and ensuring they get home safely. Part of this is robustly tackling the selfish binge-drinking minority who get involved in drunken violence and antisocial behaviour such as swearing, shouting and criminal damage.

“They can be assured that we will be watching out for them and will have no hesitation in putting them up for the night.” 

ACC Shewan, added: “Please enjoy yourself and stay safe this Christmas and remember it’s your night out and your choice. Don’t spend it with us.”