A campaign to remind football supporters to drink sensibly and stay within the law has been launched in the South Central region, covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Hampshire Constabulary, NHS South Central and Thames Valley Police have joined forces to urge fans to go out and enjoy themselves but to also be aware of the dangers of excessive drinking.
Violence or accidents after people have been drinking are responsible for one third of Accident & Emergency (A&E) attendances at night. Well over a million violent attacks every year are associated with alcohol, which fuels over a third of assaults and up to three-quarters of domestic abuse. I
n the South Central region around 17,500 people every year are admitted to A&E departments with alcohol-related illnesses or injuries.
Sergeant Mark Voller, Licensing Officer at Hampshire Constabulary said: “The World Cup is a fantastic event and we want everyone to be able to go out and enjoy it and not have their evening ruined by drunken violence.
“We are working closely with our licensed premises across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to ensure that everyone is aware of the legal consequences of alcohol-related violence. In particular we urge licensees and their staff to take active steps to prevent drunkenness on their premises.
“Extra police officers will be on patrol during the England matches to ensure that everyone stays safe.”
Dr Robert Sherriff, Clinical Director of the Staying Healthy programme for the NHS South Central region, which covers the Thames Valley and Hampshire areas, said; “Drinking excessively is a real concern for health care professionals and the NHS are anticipating an increase in the number of people attending hospital with alcohol-related injuries or illnesses during the World Cup.
Figures show a serious number of people are already putting themselves at risk by drinking too much. We want people to ‘Watch their game’ this World Cup, enjoy the sport but be aware of how much they are drinking. We know that people who drink too much are more likely to injure themselves, become a victim of crime or an offender.”
Dr Sherriff added; “Many people are not aware that by regularly drinking more than your limit you also put your long-term health in jeopardy. You are at risk of developing mental health problems, cancer, having a stroke or a heart attack. Stay safe this World Cup and remember the recommended limits are 3-4 units a day for men equivalent to one can of strong lager and 2-3 units a day for women, which is up to two small glasses of wine.”
As part of the campaign, four posters have been produced, each highlighting a different aspect of alcohol-related violence: hate crime, domestic abuse, drunken violence and drink driving.
A leaflet entitled ‘Be a good sport’ has also been distributed to licensed premises, which contains information and advice for licensees when a major sporting event is taking place.
As well as addressing alcohol-related violence and sickness, the campaign will encourage people to report all associated incidents of racism and homophobia, anonymously if necessary.
For an electronic copy of the posters please contact Carolyn miles on 01962 871085 or email Carolyn.miles@hampshire.pnn.police.uk Carolyn Miles 1214/09062010 01962 871085
