Tens of thousands of expected festive revellers are being encouraged to help themselves enjoy a safe night out in Newcastle this Christmas.
As huge numbers of friends, families and work colleagues begin the Christmas party season, Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and partners will be working hard to ensure merrymakers’ celebrations go without a hitch.
Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “Newcastle is rightfully proud of its thriving nightlife and I’m sure many people are looking forward to enjoying our famous Geordie hospitality this festive season.
“A huge amount of work goes into keeping people safe in the city, whether that’s working with and training staff at pubs, bars and clubs, deploying uniformed police and marshals on the streets or introducing new rules to make identifying legitimate licenced taxis easier.
“We will continue to work closely with partners and businesses to ensure those who want to our city can do so in safe and friendly environment – but if you are going out over the festive period, please help us by making sure to take care of yourself and each other.”
Watch: Licensing officer Claudia Jewell explains how the council engages with pubs, bars and hospitality venues to help keep people safe.
Help to keep you and your friends safe
If you are enjoying a night out in Newcastle, be sure to stay with your friends, drink responsibly and do not leave drinks unattended.
Please also be mindful and keep possessions such as handbags and mobile phones secure at all times, and any valuables out of sight.
If someone has had a bit too much to drink, make sure they are safely accompanied home.
Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police’s Newcastle city centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Newcastle is renowned as a welcoming and vibrant city and we want everyone visiting it to have a safe and enjoyable time.
“As a Force, we have dedicated plain clothes patrols out and about in the night time economy as part of Operation Cloak to spot anyone who appears vulnerable and needs assistance.
“We also work closely with our partners including Newcastle City Council’s licensing teams, Street Pastors, the North East Ambulance Service and premises door staff, liaising with them on a regular basis to identify and tackle any issues.
“We hope everyone coming into Newcastle over the Christmas period has a fantastic time and if you need us, please don’t hesitate to approach an officer on duty.”
If you do notice anything suspicious or spot someone in distress, please either:
- report it to a member of staff in the venue
- speak to a uniformed member of the council’s community safety team or police patrolling the streets
- visit Northumbria Police’s Safe Haven, on the Bigg Market between 10pm and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays
- report it to police by calling 101 or by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website
In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always dial 999.
Enjoy yourself, but remember the risks
While many people will enjoy an alcoholic drink this festive season, everyone is also reminded to consider the risks of what you might imbibe.
Cllr Adam Walker, Cabinet member for adult social care, health and prevention, said: “We know the festive period is often associated with the increased use of alcohol (and sometimes other drugs), and people can feel pressured to drink more at this time of year.
“Alcohol is a toxin, causes a range of health issues, and can impact negatively on behaviour. It can also lead to people being vulnerable, impacts on families and relationships, and places a huge pressure on emergency services.
“Remember, there are a range of ways to cut down and socialise without alcohol.
“Look out for each other, think about how much you are drinking, know your limits and temper how you indulge in any ‘festive cheer.’
“And together lets ensure that we all have a very happy Christmas and new year.”
If you are worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, or about the use of other drugs, find out more on:
Plan your journey home
When it’s time to go home, people are urged to plan ahead so they know Metro, bus and train journey times or use licensed taxis.
Only Council licensed hackney carriages are able to pick up in the city without pre-booking – and they are easily identifiable thanks to new rules requiring them to have key features, including black paint and white bonnets.
All private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a licensed company and cannot be hailed down in the street.
Watch: Licensing officer Matthew Harvey explains what to look out for when hailing a taxi in Newcastle.