Govt for sensible NYE drinking
Govt urging revellers to know their limits
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Monday, 31, Dec 2007 11:36
Revellers planning New Year's Eve celebrations tonight are being advised to alternate alcoholic drinks with water and choose smaller measures.
Other recommendations include switching to lower alcohol beers, setting and sticking to a drinks limit and planning their journey home before they set out.
The tips come from the government, as the Home Office launches its ten-point plan for responsible New Year's Eve drinking.
The recommendations are the first such initiative from the government and ministers maintain the tips are not trying to stop party-goers having a good time.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said: "For many of us New Year's Eve will be the biggest party of the year and having a few drinks is all part of the fun.
"But it is worth remembering that when things go wrong and people get hurt reckless alcohol consumption has often played a part."
He continued: "I want to remind everyone who is planning a night out tonight about practical tips for safer drinking.
"Taking a few simple precautions can ensure that a fun night out stays that way."
The advice forms part of the government's Know Your Limits campaign, which is designed to promote responsible drinking, especially among younger adults.
It comes ahead of one of the busiest nights for organised parties, with celebrations planned in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
More than 350,000 revellers are expected to line the banks of the Thames to watch the annual new year fireworks on the South Bank.
Some 30,000 partygoers are also expected to attend the Calennig celebrations in the grounds of Cardiff Castle.
Edinburgh's traditional Hogmanay is also expected to go ahead this year, with temperate weather meaning a repeat of last year's last minute cancellation is unlikely.
The guidance to New Year's Eve revellers recommends they:
Eat before drinking
Choose lower-alcohol beers
Set a drinks limit and stick to it
Alternate alcohol with water or soft drinks
Don't buy rounds
Don't get pushed around
Keep track of what they have consumed
Use more mixers to dilute alcohol
Drink smaller measures
Plan their journey home