Alcohol Concern launches guide to surviving Christmas

13th December 2005

As the party season approaches its peak, leading charity Alcohol Concern has launched a guide to surviving Christmas for festive party-goers.

Many people enjoy the festivities of the holiday period, but Alcohol Concern issued a reminder that it?s best to enjoy all good things in moderation. Their guide, launched today, is aimed at those attending and hosting festive parties, and gives a range of tips to help people drink within safe limits and get home safely.

Commenting on the launch of the ?surviving Christmas? guide Geethika Jayatilaka, Alcohol Concern?s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, said:

?Everyone likes to let their hair down at Christmas and enjoy the extra socialising that comes with the festive period. However, it?s easy to get carried away and have one tipple too many, undoing any good intentions you might have had. The consequences of drinking too much can be much worse than just a headache the next morning - too much booze can make you take risks you wouldn?t normally take, and ending up in A&E is no laughing matter. Our tips will help people to enjoy the festivities more safely.?

But Alcohol Concern also issued a stark warning to the drinks trade that they have to play their part in reducing the damage done by drinking too much over the festive season and beyond.

Ms Jayatilaka added:

?Bars, pubs and shops need to step up to the challenge of retailing alcohol in a responsible manner, and that applies just as much during the party season. That has to involve a real commitment to enforcing the law and not serving under-age drinkers or people who are drunk. And Christmas and New Year are no excuse for irresponsibly cheap drinks promotions that simply encourage people to over-indulge.?

Help and advice

A leaflet called 'You+Alcohol+Safety' gives advice on how to look after yourself when you're are out drinking and socialising. It is available by calling Alcohol Concern on 020 7922 8667, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 1pm-5pm.

If you are worried about your drinking or someone else?s drinking visit www.howsyourdrink.org.uk or call Drinkline on 0800 917 8282.


ENDS


· Alcohol Concern?s guide to surviving Christmas is available at http://www.alcoholconcern.org.uk/servlets/doc/1035

· A recent Department of Health report, Smoking, drinking and drug use amongst young people in England 2004 showed that among pupils surveyed (aged 11-15), 9 out of 10 of those who had attempted to buy alcohol illegally in pubs and bars had been able to do so, and almost three quarters of those who had tried to buy alcohol in a shop had been successful.

· The Home Office?s summer crackdown on alcohol crime hotspots found 52% of targeted on-license premises, 36% of targeted off-licenses and 48% of targeted supermarkets serving alcohol to children.

· Studies have shown that at peak times as many as 7 out of 10 admissions to A&E are related to alcohol. An average of 13 under-18s are admitted to hospital every day as a result of drinking too much.

· For all enquiries, please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk. For out of hours press enquiries, please call 07866 063013.

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and cost of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems and their families.

Date: 13 December 2005