Wednesday, 20 June 2012 13:06

The East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership have launched their ‘Watch. Enjoy. Remember.’ campaign to encourage people to consider the consequences of drinking too much alcohol whilst enjoying the Euro 2012 football.

The alcohol safety campaign aims to blow the full-time whistle on people who drink too much or cause trouble during the Euro 2012 competition. It highlights the danger of missing the game due to excess alcohol and shows the possible consequences of being drunk: including getting arrested for causing trouble.

We know that alcohol consumption increases and tensions run high during international football competitions: with reports from previous years showing an increase in hospital admissions on and after England match days and an increase in incidents of domestic violence.

There will be an increase in police patrols around Euro 2012 matches and in particular the England games. The partnership has reproduced campaign posters and credit card sized leaflets and these will be distributed to pubs and off-licenses across the county, with a particular focus on Hastings and Eastbourne.

Superintendent Neil Honnor from Sussex Police said: ‘This campaign isn’t about telling people that they can’t enjoy a few drinks and a bit of fun while watching the football. It is about encouraging people to consider the consequences if they let their drinking get out of control. If you cause trouble before, during or after the match, you will be arrested.’

The Campaign is being delivered by organisations including, East Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, NHS and local Community Safety Partnerships. Councillor David Elkin, Lead Member for Children’s and Adults services said: “By working together we are able to make our message loud and clear so that more people will be mindful of how much they drink during the football matches.”

Peter Aston, Health Improvement Manager for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: ‘Sensible drinking is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This campaign encourages people to think about how much alcohol they drink so that they can make changes to improve their health and well-being if needed.’

The campaign’s credit card sized leaflets which contain safety messages will also be given out with bottles of water by Street Pastors who volunteer in Hastings and Eastbourne.

If you would like help, advice or information about alcohol, contact: Action for Change on 0300 111 2470 or visit www.action-for-change.org.

To track your drinking, download the ‘NHS Drinks Tracker’ to your iPhone or visit the Alcohol pages on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk

You can also contact Drinkline on 0800 917 8282.