Safer nights

The latest Global Drug Survey found that more Scots end up in A&E after a night out than any other national- ity. The latest Serve Legal survey found that young-looking drinkers were served without question in 32 per cent of Scottish licensed premises (“One in three underage drinkers served in Scots pubs and clubs”, 16 May).

The figures are shocking, and while it is hard to believe there can be any complacency about the situation our experience at Street Assist is that many people prefer to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to tackling the uglier side of the night-time economy.

In Edinburgh, Street Assist supports local emergency services by providing welfare and first aid to people who become vulnerable on a Friday and Saturday night out. Last year we treated nearly 1,300 people in the city centre disoriented by alcohol or drugs, or simply lost and separated from friends.

Thirty-seven per cent needed first aid, 55 per cent needed help contacting lost friends and getting home safely, 34 per cent needed emotional support or advice and another 42 per cent used Street Assist’s services to recuperate.

Street Assist is reliant entirely on volunteers and charitable funding, but we need more help. It is surely time to look at contributions through a small change to the licensing system or by joining a concerted effort to achieve the Purple Flag standards for a safe nighttime economy.

NEIL LOGAN Founder, Street Assist Moredun Park Gardens,

Edinburgh