Stay safe this Christmas

Posted On: 08 December 2009 18:00:00
In: General

During the festive period Bangor’s pubs clubs and restaurants will once again be welcoming patrons for their end of year parties and families and friends getting together to celebrate Christmas.

With a range of venues including award winning Wolseys, Coyles, Rioja and Café Ceol, Bangor’s High Street really does have something to cater for everyone’s tastes. In partnership with North Down Community Safety Partnership, PSNI and North Down Borough Council, Bangor & Holywood Town Centres Ltd are encouraging party goers to come to Bangor this Christmas and sample the town’s lively nightlife.

While having fun is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, the partnership is asking people to have a good time but in a safe and sensible manner. Planning how a person is going to get home is as essential as planning what they are going to wear out that evening. Over the past three years a number of projects have been launched with the aim of making Bangor Town Centre a safer place to relax and go out including the launch of the Get Home Safe project that encourages people to think about their journey home before they go out for the evening, whether that be by pre-ordering a taxi or planning to use the Get Home Safe Bus which only costs £1 per person . The implementation of the Bangor Against Night-time Disorder (BAND) scheme, which all pubs and clubs in the town are signed up members to. BAND has been a key factor in the reduction number of alcohol related incidents in the town centre. People now know that if convicted of an alcohol related incident within the BAND ZONE they may be banned from all pubs and clubs for up to three years. The introduction of a Safezone outside McCulloughs in Quay Street on Friday and Saturday evenings has also proved to be a significant tool in the management of Bangor’s Evening Economy. Safezone is a team of volunteers and like minded individuals who provide a safe haven for people to attend at times of need and for those who require immediate assistance, support or sign posting to key services.

The Safezone team and ‘street angels’ can be seen walking around the bustling High Street and sea front area distributing bottles of water, hot chocolate, tea / coffee and biscuits and talking to members of the public, offering support to those who are distressed and vulnerable. The team can also be used as a reference point by people not familiar with Bangor Town Centre.

Tips for a safer night out

Avoid walking in poorly lit areas and alone.
Pre-book a taxi with friends before you go out for your return journey.
Know your limit when drinking, say enough is enough.
When out with friends take turns to be the groups designated driver
Stay with friends, look out for each other.
If out as a group take it in turns to be the designated driver for the night
Always keep an eye on your drink, drink spiking can happen to anyone.
Walk away from trouble. Fights ruin everyone’s night and you could end up banned from pubs and clubs in the Borough.