PC Lindsey Nottingham is pictured with bar staff member Samantha Dunn and Paolo Pertica

Keep a Lid on it!

Easter revellers are being urged to keep a lid on their alcohol consumption, with the help of a safer drinking campaign in Blackpool’s pubs and clubs.

BSafe Blackpool, the resort’s Community Safety Partnership, is distributing specially branded 'bottle top' and 'glass-lid' devices as part of an awareness raising initiative.

The lids and tops, which carry a ‘think before you drink’ message, are designed to remind people to drink responsibly when out celebrating the start of the new tourist season, as well as deter drink and drug spiking.

Although statistically Blackpool doesn’t have particular problems with drink and drug spiking – which is notoriously difficult to detect - BSafe Blackpool still has a responsibility to raise awareness and help people protect their personal safety. Unfortunately excessive alcohol can make people vulnerable to theft and violent crime, including sexual assaults.

Paolo Pertica, Head of BSafe Blackpool said: “This latest safer drinking campaign is one of a number of measures that BSafe Blackpool is adopting to improve people’s safety this Easter, when traditionally the resort is busy with local residents and visiting tourists.

“The safer drinking campaign will be promoted in pubs and clubs across the town centre, with the aim that repeated messages will provide a gentle reminder about responsible drinking. We want people to enjoy the new tourist season - but with one eye on their drink and one eye on their personal safety.”

As many as 60,000 lids and tops, alongside awareness-raising posters and flyers, are being distributed to key clubs and pubs - where bar staff will be handing them out free of charge to customers.

The specially-branded lids and tops fit all types of glassed drinks, whether someone is drinking wine, pints, half pints, or bottles.

Although the tops and lids won’t guarantee protection, they remind people to think twice about what they are drinking, and helps protect their glasses should they leave them unattended (which BSafe Blackpool discourages).

The campaign came about as a result of public concerns raised at a PACT meeting for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, although popular venues in Blackpool for both the heterosexual and LGBT are being targeted.

Steve Phillips, Chairperson of Blackpool’s LGBT Forum said: “Anecdotally speaking, incidents of drink spiking do take place in the LGBT Community, but often they go unreported. This can lead to victims being vulnerable to other crimes such as assault or rape.”

PC Lindsey Nottingham from Blackpool Police’s Community Safety Team said: “The partnership is looking to address the concerns voiced by the community and the aim of this campaign is to raise awareness, provide reassurance and also practical options for safer drinking. People should be able to have fun in Blackpool, but not put themselves into vulnerable positions.”

If the pilot scheme proves successful licensees will be given the opportunity to purchase further lids and tops in the future.

Top tips for safer drinking:

• Alternate your drinks with a soft drink
• Don’t drink too much – know your limit and pace yourself
• If you’re in a group of friends keep an eye out for each other
• Keep your drink with you at all times – never leave it unattended
• Buy your own drinks and never accept a drink from somebody you don’t know
• Don’t think you’re immune to spiking; it can effect Males AND Females of all ages