Stay safe this party season
Top tips are Best Bar None
KIRSTIN MCSTAY
Rutherglen revellers are being warned about their personal safety when they go out this festive season.
The Lanarkshire team at Best Bar None are aiming to raise standards amongst licensed venues.
And they have spoken out ahead of the Christmas party season, asking people to be extra vigilant.
Best Bar None’s Lanarkshire coordinator, Peter Fergie, is urging everyone to take care of their own personal safety to ensure that they don’t put themselves in any dangerous situations and are not a victim of crime.
He said: “We want to ensure everyone can enjoy a good and safe night out.
“It is in all our interests – the general public, businesses and the emergency services – to keep the day and night-time economy vibrant and safe.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for a good night out to take a dangerous turn.
“It’s the responsibility of all venues to place the personal safety of visitors at the top of its priority list.
“Yes, venues want everyone to have a great time and enjoy themselves, but safety must come first.
“However, it is also vital that the individual is taking steps to ensure they stay safe.
“We would always encourage responsible drinking; plan ahead and let your family and friends know where you are going and who you are going with.
“Plan how you are going to get home by pre-booking a licensed taxi or by making sure you know the times for your train or bus.
“Also make sure your phone is charged, never leave your drink unattended and take care of your belongings.
“If you’re out with family or friends, look after one another and make sure you all get home safely.”
He added: “I’d also stress, do not be the bystander who watches inappropriate behaviour; if it is not acceptable when sober, it is not acceptable when under the influence of alcohol. Tell staff if you have any concerns or contact police.”
Best Bar None is a notfor-profit funded national accreditation and award scheme aiming to raise standards amongst licensed venues, recognising positive management that helps to facilitate safe and enjoyable nights out for the public. It works to reduce crime, reward excellence, and raise standards of alcohol licensed premises.
The Scottish Government, local authorities, Police Scotland, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, licensing boards and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association are all part of the partnership.
Larkhall Inspector Ross McCallum, from Police Scotland, said: “It is that time of year when we can see an increase in alcohol consumption due to festive party nights and events.
“It is important for everyone to let their hair down and enjoy some down time in the run up to Christmas, however I would ask you to keep an eye on what you are drinking and do so responsibly. Police Scotland have also launched the festive drink drive campaign which will see an increase in activities aimed at detecting persons who are driving their vehicle over the prescribed limit of alcohol.
“The advice I’d give to anyone is if you are driving – do not chance it, even one drink could put you over the limit.
“Many people also do not consider the morning after.
“It is important to remember alcohol takes some time to leave your system. If you have been drinking the evening before, consider if you are fit and able to drive as a conviction for drink driving will see you banned from the road.”
Visit www.bbnscotland. co.uk for more details.